Selling a home is emotional. It’s also deeply personal, which is why so many sellers struggle with one simple but crucial piece of advice: Leave the house when buyers come to see it.
To real estate agents, this advice feels like second nature. It’s right up there with decluttering and pricing it right. But even though agents repeat it regularly, it doesn’t always stick. Some sellers brush it off, while others assume it’s optional.
But according to a recent Realtor.com article, there’s a noticeable uptick in sellers staying home during showings and open houses—a trend that can make a home much harder to sell.
This isn’t just about buyer comfort. It’s about psychology, strategy, and giving your home the best possible chance to shine.
Why Sellers Think They Should Stay
While it seems like common knowledge within the real estate world, that doesn’t mean the average homeowner knows—or fully understands—it.
Most people don’t sell homes all that often. So when a seller decides to stick around during a showing, it’s not necessarily defiance. It’s often rooted in logic that, on the surface, seems sound. Here are some of the most common justifications:
- “Who better to answer questions than me?”
- “I want to point out all the updates I’ve made.”
- “It’s still my home—I should be allowed to be here.”
- “What if something gets stolen?”
- “I have pets, kids, or someone who can’t be left alone.”
- “It’s just an open house. I’ll stay in the background.”
And lately, new circumstances have added fuel to the trend. The Realtor.com article points out a few modern reasons that are making this issue more common today than in the past:
- Security concerns. With scams and fraud making headlines, some sellers are nervous about leaving strangers alone in their home—even with a licensed agent present.
- Remote work. A growing number of people work from home and may not have the flexibility to step away during the day.
- Tight schedules. With school runs, Zoom meetings, and packed calendars, leaving the house—even briefly—can feel overwhelming.
- High expectations in a fast-moving market. Some sellers believe their presence might help seal the deal, especially if homes are moving quickly and competition is fierce.
But even with understandable reasons, staying home during a showing often does more harm than good.
Why You Shouldn’t Stick Around
Buyers need space—not just physically, but emotionally. Walking through a home is when they start picturing their furniture in the living room, their dog in the yard, their kids at the kitchen counter. That kind of imagining only happens when they feel at ease.
And it’s nearly impossible to relax and explore freely when the seller is sitting on the couch. (Or worse…following them around from room to room.)
When sellers are home during showings or open houses, here’s what often happens:
- Buyers don’t speak freely. They’ll hold back questions, concerns, or even compliments. If they don’t like the paint color or have a question about the roof, they may stay silent to avoid awkwardness.
- They rush the visit. Feeling like an intruder makes most people move along quickly instead of lingering and connecting with the space.
- It feels tense. Even the nicest, most well-meaning seller can make a buyer feel like they’re being watched.
- It can feel like pressure. Sellers may try to “help” by explaining features or highlighting upgrades, but it usually just makes buyers uncomfortable.
- It can shift negotiating power. Buyers may try to read the seller’s emotions or motivation, which could affect how and when they make an offer.
Even when a seller stays quiet and out of the way, their very presence can create a barrier between a buyer and their future home.
Tips for Getting Out While Your Home Is on the Market
Yes, leaving your house for showings can be inconvenient. But with a little preparation, it can be manageable—and even beneficial for your own peace of mind.
Many homeowners just hop in the car and drive around the block until they see the buyers have left. Which is certainly a step up from sitting in their idling car watching from just down the street, but it’s still a waste of time and gas when you could be spending the time more productively.
Here are some simple ways to get out of the house and put your time to good use:
- Run errands. It’s the perfect time to knock out that grocery list, hit the pharmacy, or swing by the dry cleaner.
- Work remotely elsewhere. Coffee shops, libraries, and even co-working spots are great temporary options.
- Go for a walk or hit the gym. You’ll burn off stress and get some fresh air in the process.
- Meet up with someone. A coffee break or lunch with a friend can make the time pass quickly, and it’s a good way to catch up with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
- Coordinate timing. Ask your agent to give you a heads-up when a showing is wrapping up. You can also set up a system with a neighbor to give the all-clear when they see the buyers pulling out of your driveway.
- Set designated showing hours. If leaving all the time isn’t feasible, work with your agent to set reasonable showing windows. (***Just know that limited access can reduce the pool of interested buyers, and potentially make the sales process drag out for a longer time.)
- Make the home easy to show. The more available and well-priced your home is, the faster it’s likely to sell—meaning fewer showings overall.
But If You Absolutely Have to Be There…
Sometimes, life doesn’t allow for total flexibility. For example, maybe your work-from-home position doesn’t allow for you to just grab your laptop and work from a coffee shop. Or perhaps you’re waiting for an important delivery. If that’s the case, staying home during a showing might be unavoidable—but you can still create space for buyers to explore.
If you must stay home, here are some tips:
DO:
- Stick to one area of the home (like a home office, sunroom, or backyard).
- Be brief and friendly if you encounter the buyers.
- Make yourself as invisible as possible and avoid interrupting.
DON’T:
- Offer a tour or follow buyers from room to room.
- Try to “sell” the home with your commentary or enthusiasm.
- Eavesdrop or hover in the background.
The goal is to be present without being in the way—and to avoid influencing the buyer’s impression in any direction.
The Takeaway:
Some sellers feel like they should—or at least should be able to—stay home when buyers come to see the house. And according to recent reports, more and more are choosing to do just that.
But while it might seem harmless or even helpful, being present during showings can actually work against the sale. Buyers need space to explore, ask questions, and picture themselves living there—and that’s hard to do when the seller is watching from the corner of the room.
The best thing a seller can do is step out and give buyers room to connect with the home. It may feel like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in helping the home sell quickly and smoothly.
