Remember the last time you frantically hurried to clean your house before guests arrived? Preparing a home to show can be stressful, as sellers work to present their property at its best — including those long-ignored, dusty corners. Now imagine doing that repeatedly for people you’ve never met, relying on the professionalism of the agents involved in the showing to keep their appointment and ensure the property is secure. 

By adopting thoughtful business practices, you can help showings run smoothly. This not only creates a more pleasant experience for your clients but also reflects well on both the listing and showing agent. Below are a few things to keep in mind when conducting showings. 

Be on time 

Punctuality demonstrates professionalism and preparation. Arriving early or late may catch a homeowner off guard. If you or your client cannot attend a scheduled showing, cancel the appointment as soon as possible. Cancelling immediately before or during the appointment can be frustrating and disappointing for sellers. While last minute cancellations can’t be avoided in some cases, providing ample notice respects the seller’s and listing agent’s time and allows the showing slot to be offered to other prospective buyers.

For more information on best practices cancelling and rescheduling showings to make sure CREB^® Rule Part II 7.02 is followed, read: Showing respect during showings: Best practices for REALTORS^®.

Secure the property 

Before leaving a showing, remember to:

1. Confirm that no lights or appliances are on.

2. Ensure all windows, doors and other entry points are closed and locked.

3. Leave a business card to show the property owner that you have come and gone and return the key to the lockbox

Failing to secure a property after a showing is a serious safety concern for homeowners and a contravention of CREB^® Rules Part II 7.04 (Responsibility to Secure Property). Securing the property demonstrates respect for the seller and reflects the same care you would take in your own home. 

View it, don’t use it

Bathroom use

Need to use the bathroom? If it can wait, let it wait. If it’s unavoidable, be quick, clean and respectful. Ensure the space is left as it was found and clean up after yourself or your clients. If a plumbing issue occurs, take responsibility and call the listing agent immediately to explain the situation.

Keep it clean

Remove your shoes at the front door and remind your clients to do the same. As winter sets in, muddy footprints and water are often tracked in. Taking a moment to remove footwear helps preserve the cleanliness of the seller’s home and keeps the mess outside where it belongs. 

Communicate any issues 

After a showing, share any concerns with the listing agent. If a door was open when you arrived or if anything unexpected happened during the showing, notify the listing agent immediately after the showing. Prompt communication helps resolve issues quickly and prevents misunderstandings. 

Promotional and marketing material at showings

While promoting your business and highlighting your value as a REALTOR^® are important, showings are not the appropriate time to do so. Members should not leave promotional or marketing materials at showings to solicit clients. Refer to CREB^® Rules Part II 4.01 (Solicitation of Potential Clients). 

But what about business cards? We know that some sellers request that the buyer’s agent leave behind a business card after a showing as a way to confirm they showed the property. When abiding by the seller’s request, leaving a business card is not considered solicitation of potential clients.

Every showing handled with care reinforces the trust clients place in REALTORS^® and sets the standard for professionalism in the industry. Keep these tips in mind and show like a pro.