Stay calm, review each request with your agent, and separate truly important issues (safety, major systems) from cosmetic or nitpicky asks. You can decline unreasonable items, offer a smaller credit instead, or invite the buyer to take the home closer to “as-is” and move on if they insist.

Within seconds, buyers notice light, space, cleanliness, and smell. A bright, uncluttered entry that looks and smells fresh creates confidence, while dark rooms, clutter, or odors can make them question the home’s overall care.

Early possession means the buyer wants to move in before closing, which adds risk if the deal falls through. If you consider it, have a written occupancy agreement that covers rent, deposits, utilities, insurance, and what happens if the sale doesn’t close, and only proceed with strong legal guidance.

Most of the time, it’s better for sellers to leave so buyers feel comfortable looking around, talking openly, and imagining themselves in the home. Your agent can represent the property, while you prepare the house, step out, and return once showings are finished.

Ask basic pre-screening questions: whether they’re pre-approved, their timeline, and whether they’re already working with an agent. For safety and efficiency, you can request a pre-approval letter before second showings and route serious buyers through your agent so you’re not opening your home for purely curious visitors.

Paid social ads can be a cost-effective way to reach highly targeted local buyers you might not capture through organic posts alone. They work best when you use strong visuals, clear calls to action, and tight location/interest targeting so your budget goes toward likely movers, not random clicks.