Overview
A showing is either an open house or a scheduled visit where prospective tenants view the unit, typically arranged through the listing agent, a tenant's agent, or a lockbox. Vacant condos rent fastest when listed with a lockbox for easy access, while occupied units require closer coordination between the landlord, tenant, and agent to keep the space presentable and available. Preparation happens in two phases: major repairs and cleaning before listing, then quick touch-ups like emptying trash and setting the temperature before each individual showing.
What Is a Showing?
A showing takes place either as an open house or a scheduled time when a prospective tenant can view the unit. Some condo associations don't permit open houses, so scheduled showings are common in Miami. Typical scenarios include:
- Tenants requesting a showing directly through the listing.
- Tenant agents scheduling showings with the listing agent on behalf of their clients, accessing the unit via lockbox or other means depending on the building's policies.
- Tenants attending an open house.
How to Prepare Your Condo for a Showing
Preparation happens in two phases. Phase one covers the bigger tasks completed before listing: repairs, renovations, new appliances, and painting. The unit should be move-in ready by the time it's listed, with no repairs, deep cleaning, or painting needed.
Phase two is the last-minute prep before each individual showing, especially if you're living in the unit or a tenant is still in place:
- Clean the apartment thoroughly
- Empty the trash
- Make the bed
- Set the thermostat to at least 72 degrees
- Put away valuables
- Turn on all the lights
Tips for Showing Your Condo
- List the condo while it's vacant, if possible. An empty unit isn't required, but it's easier to access and lets prospective tenants picture themselves living there without someone else's furniture in the way.
- Make your listing as available as possible. If you have a current tenant, work out an agreement with them for showing access and keeping the unit presentable during the listing period.
- Listen to feedback from tenants and agents about ways to make the unit more appealing, and act on it where practical.
Showing an Occupied Condo
For occupied units, you, your tenant, or your agent will conduct showings, or provide lockbox access for tenant agents to show it themselves. Most tenants in Miami work with an agent, so expect the tenant's agent to be present along with the tenant, sometimes with friends or family joining. Be ready to answer questions about the unit and the building.
Your agent may coordinate access in several ways:
- Scheduling showings with tenant agents on behalf of prospective tenants.
- Being present for the showing alongside you or your current tenant.
- Coordinating with you or the tenant to leave the door unlocked so a tenant agent can show it when no one is home.
- Setting a defined showing schedule to include in the listing.
If the building has a concierge, tenant agents can typically present ID and a business card at the front desk, and the concierge will confirm the appointment and grant elevator access.
Showing a Vacant Condo
The most common way to provide access to a vacant unit is a lockbox, which gives tenant agents the most flexibility and generally helps the unit rent faster. Your agent will place the lockbox on the unit door, in a hallway, outside the building, or with the concierge, and tenant agents access the code through the MLS. Lockbox codes should never be given directly to a prospective tenant.
If the building doesn't allow lockboxes, your agent will need to be present for every showing instead.
