The Shocking Reason Why Sellers Should NEVER Be Home During Showings in 2025
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The Shocking Reason Why Sellers Should NEVER Be Home During Showings in 2025
Connor “with Honor” MacIvor - August 10, 2025** Tags: [santa clarita real estate](/-/Blog/tag/santa clarita real estate), [open houses santa clarita](/-/Blog/tag/open houses santa clarita), [real estate showings tips](/-/Blog/tag/real estate showings tips), [seller presence risks](/-/Blog/tag/seller presence risks), [lockbox technology](/-/Blog/tag/lockbox technology), [family real estate agents](/-/Blog/tag/family real estate agents), [santa clarita market trends](/-/Blog/tag/santa clarita market trends), [first responder realtor](/-/Blog/tag/first responder realtor), [connor macivor real estate](/-/Blog/tag/connor macivor real estate), [buying homes santa cla](/-/Blog/tag/buying homes santa cla) ** 0 Comments | Add Comment
The Shocking Reason Why Sellers Should NEVER Be Home During Showings – And How It Could Cost You Big in Santa Clarita Real Estate!
TL;DR: Ever wondered why your elderly relative has to babysit every home showing? It’s a red flag in real estate. In Santa Clarita, sellers being present can kill negotiations, expose risks, and scare off buyers. As a former LAPD motor cop turned Realtor (CALDRE 01238257), I’ll break down why you should ghost your own open houses, how modern lockbox tech keeps things secure, and tips to sell smarter without the drama. Book a free consultation at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/contact or call 661-888-4983 to avoid these pitfalls.
As someone who’s walked the walk – from LAPD streets chasing bad guys on a motorcycle to navigating the wild world of Santa Clarita real estate – I’m here to share real insights without the fluff. I’ve seen it all: high-speed pursuits, drug busts as a certified IACP expert, and now, the cutthroat game of buying and selling homes in places like Valencia, Saugus, and Canyon Country. No BS, just straight talk with a dash of Gen X sarcasm because, let’s face it, life’s too short for real estate agents who sugarcoat the truth.
Picture this: You’re selling your home in Santa Clarita, and every time a buyer wants to peek inside, you’re stuck playing tour guide. Sounds exhausting, right? I got a call from a friend (yeah, I have a couple – don’t get jealous) about his mother-in-law’s situation. She’s elderly, has to be home for every showing, lets buyers in, and even fields questions on the spot. Slippery slope? You bet. But why does this happen, and more importantly, why should you avoid it like that one neighbor who mows at 7 AM on Sundays?
Why Being Present as a Seller is a Recipe for Disaster
First off, sellers are usually nice folks. You want to sell your house, so you’ve prepped it like it’s going on a blind date: spotless, no weird smells, everything tucked away. You’ve checked out the latest listings at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/active-listings to price it right. But when buyers show up and you’re there chit-chatting? That’s where things go south.
Sellers tend to overshare. “Oh, the furniture? Sure, throw in an offer!” Boom – you’ve just negotiated away a bargaining chip I could’ve used later as your Realtor. In Santa Clarita real estate, where homes in areas like Stevenson Ranch fly off the market (check the trends at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/stevenson-ranch-market-report), every detail counts. Being there opens the door to premature deals that undercut your position.
And let’s talk risks. As an ex-LAPD firearms and radar instructor, I know danger when I see it. If you’re home alone during showings, you’re exposing yourself unnecessarily. What if the buyer’s agent skips vetting? A shady “buyer” cases the joint, eyes your valuables, or worse. I’ve handled enough crime scenes to tell you: Don’t make yourself a target. In Santa Clarita, with its family-friendly vibes, we assume the best – but preparation beats assumption every time.
Humor me for a second: Imagine you’re the seller, and a buyer asks, “Why are you moving?” You spill about the noisy neighbors or that one leaky roof you fixed. Sarcasm alert – great way to tank your sale! Buyers get insider intel that should’ve stayed in escrow discussions. Head over to https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/real-estate-glossary for terms like “escrow” if you’re new to this.
The Lockbox Revolution: Why Tech Makes Seller Presence Obsolete
Back in the stone age of real estate (pre-2010s), showings were a free-for-all. Combination locks anyone could crack, or those clunky fobs that agents sometimes “loaned” out (big no-no, by the way). But today? Lockboxes are Bluetooth wonders tied to apps. Only licensed Realtors get access, and every open is logged – who, when, even if the key’s returned.
In Santa Clarita, I use these on listings from Acton to Newhall (browse options at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/search-by-area). No need for you to play doorman. Agents schedule via me, I text you for quick approval, and bam – showing happens while you’re out grabbing coffee. It’s secure, traceable, and keeps your phone number out of shady databases. Remember those MLS scrapers? Yeah, they’re real, and I don’t want your digits in some spammer’s hands.
If a seller insists on being present? Fine, but it limits showings. Out-of-town buyers relocating to Santa Clarita (via https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/relocation-1) won’t wait. Inventory’s climbing – we’re at highs not seen in years (see https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/santa-clarita-market-report) – but buyers still want flexibility. Deny access, and they move on to the next gated community home at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/gated-homes-for-sale-in-santa-clarita-ca.
Sarcastic side note: If you’re that attached to your house, maybe don’t sell it? But seriously, trust the tech. It’s evolved faster than my fasting transformation (dropped 135 lbs at 52 – more on that at YouTube.com/@homemuscle if you’re curious).
Family Member Agents: The Double-Edged Sword
Ah, the plot thickens in our transcript tale – the agent is a family member. Nepotism in real estate? Common, but risky. Maybe they’re far away, can’t show quickly, so grandma’s stuck holding down the fort. Gen X truth bomb: If your agent’s not local and available, they’re not the right fit for Santa Clarita’s fast-paced market.
I’ve been the go-to for attorneys handling divorces in areas like Saugus (details at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/handling-real-estate-for-divorces-in-saugus). Why? Because I’m boots-on-the-ground, ex-cop reliable. Family agents might cut corners, like skipping lockboxes for “convenience.” Result? Seller fatigue and missed opportunities.
Pro tip: Interview agents like you’d vet a suspect. Ask about their board membership – mine’s with the local one for max exposure. And if they’re family? Politely suggest a pro. Emotions and escrow don’t mix.
Negotiation Nightmares: How Presence Kills Deals
Let’s dive deeper. You’re there, buyer asks about neighbors. You mention the barky dog next door – innocent, right? Wrong. Now they’ve got ammo to lowball. In Santa Clarita, where homes under $500K are hot, details like that matter.
Or worse: Furniture chit-chat. “Love the couch!” You offer it cheap. I could’ve bundled it later for repairs or closing costs. Sellers negotiate from emotion; pros like me use data from https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/free-market-analysis.
And fair housing? As a first-responder Realtor, I keep it ironclad. Presence risks accidental bias slips – not worth it.
Security Risks: From LAPD Eyes
Switching gears to my cop days: Showings without vetting? Recipe for theft. Jewelry, meds, valuables – gone in a flash if agent’s lax. I instruct buyers: Chat basics only if seller’s there, but probe gently for intel. As seller? You’re handing over keys to the kingdom.
In Santa Clarita, with pools and golf courses galore, homes are targets. Demand proof of funds or pre-approval before showings. No offense – it’s smart business.
Humble brag: My background means I spot red flags miles away. Clients love it – testimonials at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/testimonials prove it.
Modern Showing Strategies for Santa Clarita Sellers
So, how do we do it right? Virtual tours first – AI-powered ones via my agency at HonorElevate.com (join the community at community.HonorElevate.com). Then, lockbox access for qualified agents only.
Schedule flexibly: Weekends pack open houses. I coordinate, you relax. Inventory’s up – 453 active listings recently – so visibility is key.
For elderly sellers: Extra care. Family involvement’s great, but pro handling prevents burnout.
Buyer Side: What to Expect When Seller’s Home
Flipping to buyers: If seller’s present, use it wisely. Ask about moves, but let your agent handle negotiations. In Santa Clarita, dream homes await at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/dream-home-finder.
New rules: Sign buyer agreements pre-viewing. It’s protection, not hassle.
Market Trends Impacting Showings
Santa Clarita’s boiling: More inventory, slower sales. Presence could mean longer DOM (days on market). Price drops galore – 69 in one week.
Fed cuts? Rates dipping. Buy now before the rush – consult at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/mortgage-rates-santa-clarita-real-estate.
AI in Showings: The Future
Tying in my AI expertise: Virtual stagings, predictive pricing – game-changers. At AIWithHonor (YouTube.com/@aiwithhonor), I explore how AI streamlines showings without human error. For realtors, check HonorElevate.com or call 661-367-8685.
But humans still rule: No AI replaces my street-smarts.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Browse foreclosures at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/foreclosure-search if that’s your jam.
Veteran and First-Responder Tips
As a vet supporter: VA loans rock. No presence needed – I handle it.
Wrapping Up: Sell Smart, Stay Safe
In Santa Clarita real estate, absence makes the wallet grow fonder. Ditch the doorman role, trust pros like me, and watch offers roll in.
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My recommendations are based on YOUR specific needs and the complexity of your situation—not who pays the highest referral fee. I live in Santa Clarita Valley, and my reputation in this community depends on your success. Local accountability matters.
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