If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first big questions that tends to pop up is:
“What actually happens during showings and open houses?”
It makes sense. Letting people walk through your home—your everyday space—can feel a little strange at first. But with the right plan and a routine that fits your life, this part of the sale can run smoothly and be much less stressful than it seems.
My goal is to make this easy, predictable, and manageable for you.
Let’s walk through what to expect.
How Showings Are Scheduled
Once your home is listed on the MLS, buyer agents will begin requesting showing times. These requests will come to you by text or through an app—whatever is easiest for you. You’ll always have the chance to approve or decline.
However — one of the most important things that leads to a strong sale is leaving your schedule as open as possible for showings.
If buyers can’t get in, they often move on to the next home.
So ideally, we’ll:
- Keep the schedule open for incoming requests and approve as many as we can. If there are times that truly don’t work (kids’ bedtime, work-from-home meetings, nap schedules, etc.), then we’ll create a plan that still makes access easy for buyers:
- or a couple of consistent showing blocks each day that work around your life
The goal is buyer access with minimal stress — enough flexibility to build momentum, but still realistic and livable for you.
Let’s Talk About Cameras
If you have security cameras or doorbell cameras, it’s important to turn off the audio during showings and open houses.
I know it can be tempting to listen in, but recording or monitoring conversations during a showing is a privacy issue and is not allowed.
In our listing agreement, we agree not to record conversations during showings.
Video is fine — audio must be off.
It protects you legally, and it helps buyers feel comfortable exploring the home.
Getting the House Ready (Without Losing Your Mind)
This doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just needs to feel clean and cared for.
Here’s the simple showing-ready routine:
- Make the beds
- Clear off countertops
- Take out trash
- Turn on all lights
- Open blinds for natural light
- Tuck away personal items (mail, medications, etc.)
Think: bright, simple, welcoming.
Handling Pets During Showings
Many of my sellers have pets — this is very normal.
The goal is simply to minimize distractions so buyers can focus on the home.
Common solutions include:
- Taking the dog with you during showings
- Having a neighbor or family member help during peak times
- Using pet daycare for the first busy weekend (this one works beautifully)
We’ll come up with a plan that works with your routine.
What Happens During the Showing
You won’t need to be there.
Buyers will walk through the home with their agent, ask questions, and get a feel for the space. Most showings last anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes.
Use the time to:
- Grab a coffee
- Take a walk
- Hop in the car with the kids or dog for a quick break
Just stepping out helps buyers feel comfortable enough to look around freely.
Open Houses
Open houses are usually held on a weekend. I handle everything:
- Signage
- Greeting visitors
- Highlighting key features
- Answering questions
- Collecting names + feedback
- Following up with interested buyers
Your preparation is the same as a showing: lights on, blinds open, surfaces clean.
No need to bake cookies — unless you want some for yourself.
After Showings and Open Houses
I’ll follow up with each agent to gather feedback. Sometimes it’s helpful and sometimes it’s just opinions — but either way, you’ll be informed.
If someone requests a second showing — that’s a great sign.
You’ll always know:
- What the interest level is
- What buyers are responding to
- Whether any tweaks are needed
- What your next steps are
You’re never left wondering.
We’ll Make This Work for Your Life
Showings and open houses don’t need to feel chaotic. With a simple prep routine, a realistic schedule, and clear communication, this part of the selling process becomes much easier to manage.
And you won’t be navigating any of it alone — I’ll walk you through every step.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to talk through how this could look for your home and your schedule, I’d love to help.
Schedule a quick call:
https://calendly.com/lizorealestate/phone-consultation
Or just send me a message — whichever is easier.
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