Hot Mess: How to Plan For Frequent Showings When the Market is Hot

Selling a home in a hot real estate market can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. The demand for properties is high, and your home might be attracting more attention than you anticipated. While this is great news for getting a quick sale at a favorable price, it can also mean your home is constantly being requested for showings. Managing these frequent showings can turn your life upside down if you're not prepared. So, how do you plan for this “hot mess” and ensure the selling process goes smoothly? Here’s a guide to help you stay organized and sane during this busy time.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize Your Space

Before the showings start, it’s essential to get your home in tip-top shape. Decluttering and depersonalizing your space will make it easier to maintain during frequent showings. Remove personal items, such as family photos, and keep your decor neutral to appeal to a broad range of buyers. This step also helps you to reduce the number of items you need to keep tidy during the selling process, making quick clean-ups more manageable.

2. Create a Daily Cleaning Routine

When the market is hot, you might get multiple requests for showings in a single day. To avoid the stress of last-minute cleaning, establish a daily routine that keeps your home in show-ready condition. This could include making the beds each morning, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring that all dishes are washed and put away after each meal. By staying on top of these tasks daily, you won’t find yourself scrambling to clean up when a potential buyer wants to see the house on short notice.

3. Set Up a “Go Bag” and Plan Activities

One of the challenges of frequent showings is needing to leave your home at a moment’s notice. To make this process easier, prepare a “go bag” with essentials like snacks, water, books, or toys for kids. This way, you’re always ready to head out the door quickly. Plan a list of activities or places to go during showings, such as visiting a park, grabbing a coffee, or running errands. Having a plan in place will reduce stress and help you make the most of your time away from home.

4. Use a Showing Service

A showing service can be a game-changer when you’re dealing with a high volume of showings. These services allow you to manage and schedule showings more efficiently, ensuring that there are no overlaps or inconvenient times. Many services also provide a way for you to confirm or deny showing requests with ease, giving you some control over your schedule while still accommodating interested buyers.

5. Establish Clear Communication with Your Agent

Frequent showings require clear and constant communication with your real estate agent. Make sure your agent knows your availability and any specific times that are off-limits for showings. Regular check-ins can help you stay informed about feedback from buyers and any potential offers. This communication will also help your agent to manage showings in a way that minimizes disruptions to your daily life.

6. Consider Temporary Relocation

If the market is particularly hot and your home is in high demand, you might want to consider temporarily relocating until your home sells. This could mean staying with family, friends, or even renting a short-term apartment or Airbnb. While this option might seem extreme, it can significantly reduce stress by eliminating the need to constantly prepare your home for showings.

7. Embrace the Mess, but Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Finally, it’s important to remember that the chaos of frequent showings is temporary. While it may feel overwhelming, staying organized and maintaining a positive attitude will help you get through this period. Keep your eye on the prize—a successful sale at a great price—and remember that all the effort you’re putting in now will pay off when you close the deal.

Conclusion: Planning Is Key

Selling a home in a hot market requires preparation, flexibility, and a little bit of patience. By planning ahead, staying organized, and keeping your home in constant show-ready condition, you can navigate the hectic process of frequent showings with ease. While it may feel like a “hot mess” at times, remember that this phase is temporary, and the end result—a successful sale—is well worth the effort.