10 Signs a House Showing Went Well

Getting a showing request is exciting for any seller, as it's a step in the right direction toward a successful sale. But after a showing, it's often difficult to know whether the potential buyer is serious or not. Fortunately, there are some telltale signals that a house showing went well. In this blog post, we'll explore ten signs of a successful showing that could indicate an offer on the horizon.

1. Immediate Feedback

One of the first signs that the showing went well is immediate feedback from the buyer's agent. If the buyer's agent calls back after the showing and asks about other offers, negotiability, and closing terms, the buyer is likely interested in the property.

2. Extended Interest

Another sign of a successful showing is when a buyer lingers in the house for an extended time. This shows that they are seriously considering the property and taking the time to explore it in depth. It's also a good sign if the buyer talks with their agent in the driveway after the showing.

3. Request for Second Showing

Requesting a second showing so the buyer can bring family or friends is a good sign that the showing went well. A second showing signals continued interest and that the buyer is serious about the property.

4. Focused Details

When a potential buyer seriously considers a property, they usually ask about finer details, like homeowner's association bylaws and the age of specific components. Focusing on a specific area of the home is a good indication that a buyer is interested in the property.

5. Highly Desirable Area

Another good sign that a showing went well is if the location is highly desirable to the buyer. A buyer may overlook some property flaws to live in a particular area. If they've made it known that the location is a prime spot, you're off to a great start.

6. Nitpicking

Pointing out small items around the house indicates a buyer is interested in the property and has potential remodeling plans in mind. This shows the buyer is seriously considering the home.

Home sellers, sign up here >

7. Mental Ownership

Mental ownership occurs when a potential buyer thinks of a property as theirs. Sellers should take note of this sign, as it often signals the buyer is seriously interested in the property and may make an offer soon. An easy way to recognize mental ownership is when a buyer talks about living in the house. For example, they may start discussing where they would put their furniture or what colors they would paint the walls. When they imagine themselves in the home, they're more emotionally invested in the property.

Other signs of mental ownership may include the buyer asking questions about the local area, such as nearby schools, restaurants, or shopping. This indicates that they're thinking about what it would be like to live in the neighborhood. If the buyer also starts asking detailed questions about the property, such as utility costs or the condition of certain features, they might make an offer soon.

8. The Buyer Takes Their Time

A buyer who takes their time exploring the property will likely be seriously interested in purchasing it. Pausing to look over every detail of the home shows that they're making an informed decision and gathering details on the property's condition. Buyers often use this time to take notes of any potential repairs and ensure the property fits their standards.

9. They Ask a Lot of Questions

Interested buyers will often ask a lot of questions during the showing. This is a very positive sign, as it signals that the prospective buyer is seriously considering making an offer. Buyers typically become increasingly inquisitive as they get closer to making a decision. The more questions they ask, the better! Common questions include asking about the home's age, the condition of the roof and windows, parking, and yard size. Buyers may also ask about the local school district, nearby shopping, and public transportation.

10. Pre-offer Inspection Request

A pre-offer inspection request indicates that a buyer is serious about a property and wants to make an offer. This request will help the buyer confirm that the property is in good condition and free of significant issues before making an offer. A pre-offer inspection lets the buyer make an informed decision while protecting the seller from any unexpected issues before the sale. The process typically begins with the buyer submitting an inspection request to the seller. The request should include the type of inspection desired, such as a general home inspection or a more specific inspection (e.g., radon or mold inspection). The seller then provides the buyer with a list of qualified inspectors to perform the requested inspection. The buyer receives a detailed report with the inspector's findings once completed.

Bottom Line

While these signs may indicate an imminent offer, there's no way to know for sure without receiving it. Having a trusted real estate agent by your side from the first showing to the final signing can help you navigate the complexities of homeselling.

Ready to get started? BidMyListing's first-of-its-kind marketplace connects home sellers with top real estate agents who submit proposals to represent their home sales. Each proposal includes a listing term, commission rate, information about the agent, and cash bonus. Create a free account today to get started!

To learn more about selling your home, visit our Home Seller Resources >