This is where showings come in. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of showings and delve into one of the most pressing questions you might have as a seller: how many showings does it take to sell? We’ll break down the average number of showings it takes before receiving a competitive offer, as well as the crucial factors that influence this figure.
The Role of Showings in the Home-Selling Process
During a home showing, the prospective buyer can envision themselves living in the home and assess whether the space meets their needs. You can think of it as an audition, where your property is the main attraction and each showing is a chance to make a good impression.
While receiving showing requests can be exciting for sellers, it can also be stressful. You have to keep your home in pristine condition, put away kids’ toys, clear any signs of pets, and just find somewhere to go during this time. This often leaves sellers wondering, “How long will this take?” and “How many times do I have to do this?”
How Long Do Showings Last?
- Tour each room, including the attic or basement
- Peek into closets and other storage spaces
- Check to see if the light switches and other appliances work
- Measure rooms to see if their furniture would fit
- Start planning or envisioning how each room will be used.
While there's no universal answer, real estate professionals agree that it takes an average of 10 to 25 showings before a typical house attracts a serious buyer and receives an offer.
However, you could get just a handful of showings on your home and receive multiple offers. Or, your home could be on the market for weeks or months before it goes under contract. This is because showing volume can vary widely based on a number of factors: price, location, your home’s condition and how desirable it is, market conditions, as well as the time of the year.
Here’s a general breakdown of showing volume:
- 1-5 showings: Typical in a hot market or for highly desirable homes
- 10-15 showings: Common when pricing, condition, and marketing align
- 25+ showings: May indicate the home is overpriced.
1. Listing Price
If your home is priced competitively for your housing market, you will attract serious buyers and expect to generate an average number of showing requests. But if your asking price is too high, fewer buyers will be interested, leading to minimal traffic. Remember that the price of your home must appeal to your target audience.
Besides, if you receive a lot of showing requests but they don't turn into offers, you may need to adjust your pricing to accommodate the current market. Lowering the price might make your home more competitive and generate offers.
2. Location and Neighborhood
Homes in desirable neighborhoods usually create higher demand for showings, especially if they’re priced right. If your property happens to be located in a less desirable location or part of town, you can work with your trusted agent to improve showing activity by highlighting your home’s other strengths.
3. Market Conditions
On the contrary, your home may sit for weeks or months, even with dozens of showings in a buyer’s market, where there are more homes for sale than buyers. Buyers have a greater selection of homes to choose from, which may result in reduced showing activity per home. This is why it’s important to be aware of current market trends and work with an agent who can help position your home competitively.
4. Property Condition and Curb Appeal
In the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features by the National Association of REALTORS®, 92 percent of REALTORS® have suggested sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale. The exterior of your house is the first thing anyone will see, which is why great curb appeal is crucial in making a good first impression. If buyers like what they see from the outside, they are more likely to check beyond the front door.
5. Timing and Seasonality
On the contrary, fall and winter showings might be slower but often more serious since fewer but highly motivated buyers are house-hunting in colder months. In such cases, fewer showings may still result in offers.
Get Help From a Local and Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent to Maximize Showings
An experienced agent will give you tips on how to improve your home so it stands out, no matter the market conditions in your area. You two will work closely together to make your home more desirable to buyers. Preparing your home for showing can be tedious, but with a trusted listing agent, every effort could lead to an offer that makes all the hassles worth it.