CLIENT RESOURCE CENTER
HOME SELLING RESOURCES
Helpful guidance, checklists, and downloads designed to help you feel prepared and confident at every stage of your sale.
Behind the Scenes
Prepare for Showings
Most showings are scheduled with little notice. The goal is to keep your home in a state of readiness so we can show it with confidence
Remove pet items, bowls & toys
Take out trash
Hide cords, chargers, electronics
Turn off TV and computer screens
Straighten pillows, throws and rugs
Store shoes, coats & backpacks
Move cars from driveway
Audio & Video Recording Devices During Showings
Many homes have doorbell cameras, security systems, baby monitors, and other connected devices. Before showings begin, please tell me about every device capable of recording or transmitting audio or video, including devices that may not be actively monitored.
Video surveillance
Visible exterior and common-area security cameras may remain in use, but their presence should be disclosed before a showing. Cameras should never be positioned where visitors would have a heightened expectation of privacy, and Illinois law specifically restricts nonconsensual recording in locations such as restrooms and certain residential circumstances.
Audio recording
Illinois law generally prohibits secretly recording a private conversation unless all parties to that conversation consent. Because buyers may reasonably expect their conversations during a showing to remain private, the safest practice is to disable all audio-recording functions before buyers enter the home. This includes audio captured by security cameras, smart doorbells, indoor cameras, baby monitors, and smart-home devices.
This information is provided for general guidance and is not legal advice. Questions about a particular surveillance system or recording practice should be reviewed with your real estate attorney.
Recommended seller practices
Notify me of all cameras and recording-capable devices.
Disable microphones and all audio-recording features.
Avoid hidden cameras or devices placed in private areas.
Do not watch showings live unless there is a legitimate security need.
Never use an overheard buyer conversation to influence pricing or negotiations.
Remove or secure confidential papers, medications, valuables, photographs, and personal information before each showing.
Pros & Cons of Showing Early
Pros
Creates early buyer interest
Motivated buyers may be willing to tour before the listing is fully public, giving you a chance to build momentum before launch day.
May generate an early offer
A qualified buyer could submit an offer before the home reaches the broader market, which may be appealing if the terms are strong and fit your timeline.
Provides useful feedback
Early showings can reveal how buyers are reacting to the price, condition, layout, and presentation before the full launch.
Adds a sense of exclusivity
Limited early access can make the opportunity feel special and encourage serious buyers to act quickly.
Can reduce disruption
If the right offer comes together early, you may avoid a long schedule of showings and open houses.
Cons
Fewer buyers have seen the home
Accepting an offer too early may mean the property never receives full market exposure, so you may not know whether stronger terms could have developed.
The home may not be fully ready
If photography, staging, repairs, or marketing materials are still being completed, an early showing may not create the strongest possible first impression.
It can weaken launch-day momentum
Too many early showings can reduce the urgency and excitement that come from introducing the property to the market all at once.
Early offers can create pressure
Sellers may feel rushed to decide before they have had the chance to compare interest from the broader buyer pool.
Remove valuables & prescriptions
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