Hi all! It's been a hectic time the past couple of weeks with summer in full swing!

I've talked with many buyers as well as sellers the past couple of weeks and interestingly enough, a question that stood out from both sides had to do with the homes that are still occupied and whether or not the seller should be at home during the showing(s).

Some sellers may not think it is an issue to be there and to answer any questions that might come up, however, I don't think it is a good idea to be at home if your home is being shown for a variety of reasons. First of all, every buyer I've spoken with prefers to be able to walk in and get a "feel" for the house on their own terms. I've shown some homes where the seller remains in the house, and while helpful, respectful and friendly, the buyer is there to scrutinize the house, not visit. A buyer does not feel comfortable to open cabinets and closets if the seller is "hanging out" in the other room, and it quickly comes off their possibility list.

Also, while a seller must disclose known issues with the home, they do so via a seller's disclosure. If in the home when a potential buyer comes through, and the subject comes up of "why are you moving" and then the seller proceeds to explain all the reasons why--one of them being "well, it's just too far from town and with gas prices we just can't afford to be running back and forth..." While this may be honest, now you, as the seller, have brought to light gas prices and the distance to the nearest amenities. This may not have been an issue for these potential buyers, but now you have them thinking about it, and that may be the only reason they do cross it off their possibility list.

Another reason, buyers are working with their agent, who has gotten to know them and what they're wants and needs are in a home. When they view your home, they discuss with each other what they do and don't like about the home. They do not feel comfortable talking negatively about your home if you're in the other room, or in the room they are in for that matter.

If a buyer has questions that are not answered by the listing itself, or the seller's disclosure, then they let their agent call the listing agent to find out the answer.

I understand that sometimes it is not feasible to leave the home--especially if there are pets or small children involved, however, in a case like this, it is best to walk out of the home when the buyer and buyer's agent arrives, and either take the pets for a walk, or play with the kids in the back yard, or even the neighbor's yard if that's possible.