When your home hits the market, it’s only natural to want to be there during showings. After all, no one knows your home better than you, and you want to make sure buyers see all the little details you love.
But here’s the truth: the best thing you can do for your sale during showings is actually to step out.
Here’s why leaving your home during showings helps it sell faster and for a better price.
1. Buyers Need to Feel at Home
When buyers walk through your property, they’re not just looking at a house; they’re picturing their life there. If the seller is home, most buyers feel uncomfortable exploring freely. They whisper instead of talk, rush instead of linger, and often leave without forming that emotional connection that leads to an offer.
When you’re not there, buyers relax. They can take their time, open closets, discuss furniture placement, and start to see themselves living in your space, and that’s exactly what you want.
2. Your Presence Changes the Energy
Even if you’re friendly and helpful, having the seller home can make things feel awkward. Buyers don’t want to offend you with honest feedback, and their Realtor may hold back opinions they’d normally share.
For example, a buyer might be too shy to mention that the primary bedroom feels small. Normally, their agent could step in with a suggestion like, “You could easily remove this wall and create a larger suite.” But if you’re standing there, that kind of problem-solving conversation often doesn’t happen.
The result? You lose valuable insight and the chance for buyers to see how easily the home could work for them.
3. Give Agents the Space to Do Their Job
Your listing agent works hard to make your home shine through photos, descriptions, and showing instructions. Buyer agents, on the other hand, are trained to highlight features that match their client’s priorities. When sellers are home, it can unintentionally disrupt that process or shift the focus away from what matters most to buyers.
If there’s something about your home that might not be immediately obvious — like heated floors, upgraded insulation, or a hidden storage nook — you can always leave a small information sign to point it out. Another great option is to ask your Realtor to prepare a short information package outlining the home’s unique features and recent updates. They can send it to the buyer’s agent before the showing so those details aren’t missed.
That way, buyers still learn everything that makes your home special, without feeling watched or rushed.
4. Make It Easy to Show Off Your Home
Instead of staying home, use showings as a reason to step out for a walk, grab a coffee, or run errands. Keep your home tidy, lights on, and temperature comfortable before leaving. A welcoming environment sets the right tone the moment buyers walk through the door.
5. A Few Exceptions
There are rare cases where being home might make sense, for example, if you’re selling a rural property with outbuildings or unique systems that need explaining. In those situations, it’s best to step aside during most of the showing and offer a quick walkthrough at the end if needed.
If you or someone in your household is sick or has mobility issues, try to stay in one room while the showing takes place. You can keep the door closed and, if possible, leave a photo of the room posted on the door so buyers can still get a sense of the space. If they’re seriously interested, their agent can always arrange a second showing to view that room once it’s appropriate to do so.
The Bottom Line
Your goal during showings is to help buyers fall in love with your home and they’ll do that best when they feel free to explore it as their own. Step out, give them space, and trust that your Realtor has everything handled. Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to selling your home.
