How-To Show Homes

On this page, we have assembled some training videos that are super important to watch. We will start with basic matrix. Since it may have been a while since you took your new agent orientation and Basic Matrix class, here are some video refreshers.

Next we have some videos about how to use Showingtime to schedule appointments for showings. Practice on a friend or family member first! Never do a showing without a CONFIRMED appointment even if it says vacant. If the agent isn't using Showingtime, you will have to request an appointment from them by phone/text.

Following that section are videos about how to use the Supra lockboxes to get into the homes. Don't embarrass yourself by not knowing how to use a lockbox at your showing. Again, practice on a friend or family member first!

Then we have a few great videos about how to show a house to a buyer and some best practice tips.

Finally we close with the most important topic of agent safety. This is a MUST WATCH training session for agents of all levels!

When you have a buyer ready to set up a search, go ahead and give the search process a whirl, then set up a time with Rachel to have her look over your search to make sure it's optimized to get your buyers the best search results. Don't send out searches until you feel comfortable you know what you're doing and you've had some guidance.

Also, check out the video about understanding the MLS status definitions (Active, Active Option, Kick Out, Pending, etc.)

Do all listing use the Showingtime appointment scheduling service?

Most agents use Showingtime, but not all agents use it because there is a monthly fee for the listing to be enrolled in the service. It makes it much harder for agents to show the house and also for the listing agent who has to manage all of the showings themselves. If you come across a listing that does not use Showingtime, you'll likely need to send a text to the agent with your name and license number to request the showing appointment.

Sometimes appointments are set up directly with the agent because the seller wants their agent present at all showings. You will see this more in high-end homes. Follow the agent's rules.

Also, sometimes a listing is not set up properly and you can't add the house to the tour using the button pictured above. First try, to use the MLS number to add the house to the showing cart in the Showingtime website after you have others set up as shown in the video above. If that doesn't work, you may need to call Showingtime for assistance in requesting the appointment.

What number do agents call to schedule showings on listings?

SAVE THIS NUMBER AS A CONTACT IN YOUR PHONE --> Showingtime (817)858-0055 You may need it while you're out and about.

Before the Showing

You must make appointments first. After you hit the Submit Requests button, the appointments status will be:

• Go & Show - GREEN - usually used for vacant properties that don't require approval of the seller GO SHOW

• Requested - YELLOW - a notification was sent to the seller and the listing agent requesting the appointment. DO NOT SHOW

• Confirmed - GREEN - status will change to confirmed after the seller or listing agent approves the request GO SHOW

• Declined - RED - status will change to declined after the seller or listing agent denies the request DO NOT SHOW

DO NOT SHOW A PROPERTY UNLESS YOU HAVE A CONFIRMED APPOINTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

During the showing

ALWAYS follow the showing instructions exactly!!! Also, if there are signs posted at the door for booties, gloves, etc. you must respect the requirements of the seller.

RING THE DOORBELL BEFORE ENTERING and announce yourself so you don't startle anyone who might be in the house.

Report any issues with the house to the listing agent, like safety hazard, toilet leaks, etc. just out of courtesy. Sometimes when no one is living in a home, they may not be aware of issues especially seasonal ones like not having a heater on to keep the pipes from freezing.

Make sure you stay with your buyers at all times to ensure that they don't open any locked doors or windows without your knowledge which creates a security risk for the seller. Also, make sure that they do not touch the personal belongings of the seller or sit on furniture, etc.

After Showing

When you leave the property, be sure to lock up all doors and following the showing instructions for lights, etc. Click the button on the Showingtime App to complete the showing which will alert the seller that you are done and they can go home.

FEEDBACK: After you show homes, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not ignore "feedback requests" that you will get via emails from either Showingtime or Supra. Please share constructive feedback because it will get shared directly with the seller to help them with their sale.

Showing Tips: (practice 4 showings with a spouse or friend before you show real buyers)

1. Charge your phone to 100% before you leave. You'll need it for GPS and also to open doors and look up information.

2. Have either your printed out MLS sheets or GoMLS app on your phone to look up the showing instructions

3. Make sure your Supra app is updated and you know your passcode

4. Turn on all the lights in the home to allow the buyers to see the house in it's best lighting!

5. Successful agents don't agree, but you can schedule your tour one of two methods:

   • Most efficient route based on the mapped areas to tour homes - this is good because it is the most efficient use of time and gas/mileage

   • Save the best for last - put what you know to be the worst home on the tour at the beginning and then get better and better with each home saving the best home for last so the buyer can walk away from that last home thinking "wow, I'm ready to buy"

6. Ring the doorbell or knock loudly before entering and announce yourself. Even if the home is vacant, this is a great safety tip to make sure you don't surprise anyone in the house.

7. If other agents are in the home, it's proper etiquette to wait for your scheduled appointment time to enter. Do not enter early. If they are staying past their scheduled appointment time, you may politely ask if they are done because you have an appointment time now and your buyers are on a tight schedule. Be mindful of your time when showing and make sure your buyers are finishing their walk-through by the end of your appointment time slot.

8. Wear the right shoes.... DON'T WEAR HEELS!!! Also, don't wear thick tennis shoes. Wear flat dress shoes that allow you to walk safely in the grass or uneven surfaces. Also wearing flat shoes will allow you to feel any variations in the floor for possible signs of foundation movement that you can ask about. You can often feel these dips as you walk around, but if you wear thick tennis shoes or heels, you won't feel it.

9. Dress the part. If you want your clients to think you are a successful agent who is going to get it done for them. Look the part! Dress professionally, wear a nice nametag and be prepared. Make sure your car is washed on the outside and not covered in dirt.

10. Most people do NOT take people around in their cars anymore. Most showings happen in a caravan style with the buyers driving in their own car. This allows you time to think between showings or return a missed call. It allows the buyers to discuss the house together while they are driving to the next showing.

11. Always print or save a PDF copy of the MLS listing before you show the home to screenshot the information. Occasionally agents have been known to make changes to commission or other details during the time the home is under contract and it becomes a dispute. Protect yourself by saving a copy.