One of the first questions many homeowners ask after listing their home is:
👉 “Should I stay home during showings?”
It’s a fair question.
After all, this is your house.
Your belongings are inside.
You know the property better than anyone.
And if a buyer has questions, wouldn’t it make sense for you to be there to answer them?
Actually, in most situations, the answer is no.
The vast majority of real estate professionals recommend that sellers leave during showings whenever possible.
That advice surprises many homeowners at first.
They often think:
✔️ I can point out upgrades.
✔️ I can explain the neighborhood.
✔️ I can answer questions.
✔️ I can help buyers understand the value.
But what usually happens is the exact opposite.
Buyers become less comfortable.
They spend less time exploring.
They avoid conversations they would normally have.
And sometimes they leave without fully connecting with the home.
The truth is that buyers need space.
They need to imagine themselves living there.
And that process becomes much harder when the current owner is standing in the next room.
If you’re preparing to sell your Minnesota home, understanding how showings work can help you create the best possible experience for buyers.
You might be wondering:
• Why do agents recommend sellers leave?
• Is it ever okay to stay?
• What if buyers have questions?
• Where should I go during a showing?
• What should I do with pets?
• What mistakes should sellers avoid?
• How can I make buyers feel comfortable?
Let’s talk about it.
🏡 Why Buyers Need Privacy
Imagine you’re touring a home.
You’re walking through the kitchen.
You’re opening closet doors.
You’re discussing potential renovations with your spouse.
Now imagine the seller is standing right there.
Suddenly you’re less likely to:
✔️ Speak freely
✔️ Share concerns
✔️ Discuss pricing
✔️ Evaluate the home honestly
✔️ Ask difficult questions
Most buyers become much more reserved when sellers are present.
Even if the seller is friendly.
Even if the seller is trying to help.
That’s why privacy matters.
🏡 Buyers Need to Picture Themselves Living There
One of the biggest goals of a showing is helping buyers emotionally connect with the home.
They need to imagine:
✔️ Their furniture
✔️ Their family
✔️ Their routines
✔️ Their future
When the current homeowner is present, it can be difficult for buyers to mentally transition from:
👉 “Your home”
to
👉 “My future home.”
Creating that emotional connection is incredibly important.
🏡 Sellers Sometimes Oversell
This happens more often than you might think.
A seller means well.
They’re proud of the home.
They start explaining:
✔️ Every upgrade
✔️ Every improvement
✔️ Every repair
✔️ Every feature
But buyers may feel overwhelmed.
Or pressured.
Or distracted.
A good listing agent and buyer’s agent can communicate important information without creating awkward situations.
🏡 Buyers Speak More Honestly When You’re Gone
One reason agents prefer private showings is because buyers tend to share their true thoughts.
They may discuss:
✔️ Room sizes
✔️ Layout preferences
✔️ Renovation ideas
✔️ Concerns
✔️ Potential offer strategies
These conversations are important.
But they often don’t happen naturally when the seller is nearby.
🏡 Your Agent Can Answer Questions
Many homeowners worry:
👉 “What if the buyer has questions?”
Don’t worry.
That’s one reason you hired a real estate professional.
Your listing agent can provide information about:
✔️ Property features
✔️ Improvements
✔️ Utilities
✔️ Property disclosures
✔️ Neighborhood information
Buyers don’t need direct access to the homeowner during a showing.
🏡 What If You Work From Home?
This is increasingly common.
Many Minnesota homeowners work remotely.
If you absolutely cannot leave, try to:
✔️ Stay in one area
✔️ Avoid interacting with buyers
✔️ Keep conversations brief
✔️ Allow buyers space
However, if possible, leaving remains the preferred option.
Even a short walk or coffee shop visit can make a big difference.
🏡 Open Houses Follow the Same Principle
The same advice generally applies during open houses.
Many sellers assume they should remain available.
But buyers often feel more comfortable when:
✔️ The listing agent hosts
✔️ Sellers are absent
✔️ Buyers can explore freely
Again, the goal is creating a relaxed environment.
🏡 Pets Complicate Showings Too
Even if buyers love animals, pets can become distractions.
Consider:
✔️ Taking pets with you
✔️ Scheduling walks
✔️ Using pet daycare
✔️ Making alternative arrangements
Buyers should focus on the home—not on managing interactions with pets.
🏡 Security Concerns Are Understandable
Some sellers hesitate to leave because they’re concerned about:
✔️ Personal belongings
✔️ Valuables
✔️ Privacy
These concerns are valid.
Before listing your home:
✔️ Secure valuables
✔️ Store important documents
✔️ Remove medications
✔️ Lock away sensitive items
Most buyers are respectful.
But it’s always smart to take precautions.
🏡 Don’t Follow Buyers Around
This deserves its own section.
Occasionally sellers stay home and unintentionally follow buyers from room to room.
They may think they’re being helpful.
But buyers often interpret it differently.
It can feel uncomfortable.
Or even stressful.
If you’re present, give buyers plenty of space.
🏡 Avoid Listening to Buyer Conversations
Another temptation sellers face is trying to overhear feedback.
It’s natural to be curious.
But honestly?
It’s usually better not to listen.
Buyers need freedom to discuss:
✔️ Likes
✔️ Dislikes
✔️ Concerns
✔️ Pricing thoughts
Without feeling observed.
🏡 What Should You Do During Showings?
The simplest answer:
Leave and enjoy the break.
Some sellers:
✔️ Visit a coffee shop
✔️ Go for a walk
✔️ Run errands
✔️ Visit family
✔️ Work remotely elsewhere
✔️ Exercise
Showings usually don’t last very long.
Having a plan makes the process easier.
🏡 Flexibility Can Lead to More Showings
Sometimes sellers make showings difficult because they don’t want to leave.
The problem is:
Less flexibility may mean:
✔️ Fewer showings
✔️ Fewer buyers
✔️ Less competition
✔️ Longer market time
Convenience matters to buyers.
Making access easier often helps the selling process.
🏡 Remember the Goal
It’s easy to focus on temporary inconveniences.
But remember why you’re doing this.
The goal is:
✔️ Attracting buyers
✔️ Creating strong impressions
✔️ Receiving offers
✔️ Selling successfully
A little inconvenience today may help you achieve a better result tomorrow.
🏡 What Buyers Actually Want
Most buyers simply want an opportunity to:
✔️ Explore the home
✔️ Evaluate the layout
✔️ Ask questions privately
✔️ Picture themselves living there
They aren’t trying to offend the seller.
They just want room to make their decision.
🏡 Real Situation I See Often
A seller insists on staying during every showing.
After several weeks, buyer feedback suggests the tours feel uncomfortable.
The seller begins leaving during appointments.
Almost immediately:
✔️ Buyers stay longer
✔️ Feedback improves
✔️ Interest increases
And eventually the home sells.
Coincidence?
Maybe.
But buyer comfort matters more than many sellers realize.
🏡 When Staying Home Might Be Necessary
Life happens.
Sometimes sellers can’t leave.
If that occurs:
✔️ Stay in one area
✔️ Limit interactions
✔️ Turn off TVs
✔️ Keep noise minimal
✔️ Allow buyers privacy
The less noticeable your presence, the better.
🏡 FAQ: Staying Home During Showings
Should sellers leave during showings?
In most situations, yes. Buyers generally feel more comfortable exploring the home privately.
Can I answer buyer questions myself?
It’s usually better for agents to handle questions and communication.
What if I work from home?
Try to leave if possible. If not, stay in a designated area and minimize interaction.
Is it okay to stay during an open house?
Most agents recommend sellers leave during open houses as well.
What should I do with pets?
Whenever possible, remove pets from the property during showings.
🏡 Final Thoughts
Selling your home can feel personal.
Because it is.
You’ve created memories there.
You’ve invested time and energy into the property.
Naturally, you want buyers to see everything you love about it.
But the best thing you can often do is step away.
Give buyers the freedom to explore.
Give them the space to imagine.
Give them the opportunity to connect emotionally with the home.
Because when buyers feel comfortable, they’re much more likely to picture themselves living there.
And that’s exactly what you’re hoping for.
🏡 Next Step
If you’re preparing to sell your Minnesota home and want expert guidance on showings, buyer psychology, staging, and marketing strategies, I’d be happy to help.
👉 https://sell.dreamhomesminnesota.com/
Lesley The Realtor is a Minnesota real estate agent helping homeowners successfully prepare, market, and sell their homes throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area.