Seller advice: The pros and cons of show-days

Given the excellent quality of photos and videos of homes for sale that can be displayed online these days, there are many agents who believe that traditional show-days are obsolete and will only arrange individual viewings for prospective buyers.

And they are supported by sellers who don’t like the idea of their home essentially being open to strangers and the security risks that this might pose.

Of course it can also happen that the only people who turn up on a particular show-day are inquisitive neighbours or a few hopelessly under qualified buyers who have no intention of making an offer.

On the other hand, however, not all potential buyers have access to the internet – and not all make use of property portals and websites even if they do have access – so a show-day may be the only opportunity they have to view your home.

In SA especially, there are many who like to check out an area in person first to see if they like it and will then visit whatever homes may be on show over a few weekends to get a better feel for what it would really be like to live there.  

From a seller’s point of view, it is usually easier to have just a few show-days instead of having to keep your home in show condition all the time to accommodate numerous individual viewings.

Other advantages of show-days are that they generate “live feedback” as potential buyers talk with your agent that is very valuable in that it will either validate your asking price or help you make a quick adjustment in line with what buyers in your area are actually prepared to pay.

It can also confirm your agent's advice about the way the house looks to potential buyers or what it needs to increase its curb appeal. And if you have appointed a qualified and experienced agent from a reputable company, they will not let your efforts to prepare your home for the show-day go to waste but will instead match them with their own efforts to promote and advertise the show-day properly and generate maximum possible interest among suitable buyers.