How much notice should I give for showings?
“How much notice should I give for showings?” — The blunt answer buyers want and sellers need.
Quick, click-worthy answer
Give at least 24 hours for homes with occupants or tenants. Aim for 24–48 hours whenever possible. For vacant homes, a same-day 2–4 hour window is acceptable. Be flexible during high-demand windows, but never waive tenant or legal rights.
Why the notice you give matters in Georgetown real estate
Georgetown, ON is a fast-moving market tied to the GTA. Commuters, growing families, and investors tour homes evenings and weekends. If you make showings easy and respectful, you get more qualified traffic and higher offers. If you make showings hard, buyers skip your listing or lowball the offer.
Giving the right notice isn’t about courtesy alone. It’s about control:
- More showings = more competitive offers.
- Proper notice protects you from legal fallout when tenants live in the home.
- Clear notice reduces cancellations, no-shows, and rushed viewings that kill perceived value.
The legal baseline — what sellers and landlords must know (Ontario rules)
If your property is a rental or has tenants, Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act applies. Key points:
- Landlords must provide written notice at least 24 hours before entry for showing to prospective buyers or tenants.
- The entry must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Notice should state the date, time, and reason for entry.
For owner-occupied homes there’s no provincial “showing notice” law the way the RTA covers rentals. But listing agreements, local real estate board rules, and good practice mean you should still give reasonable notice — typically 24–48 hours — to allow staging, cleaning, and scheduling.
Georgetown market realities that change the rule of thumb
Georgetown is part of Halton Hills and serves many commuters to Toronto. That creates showings concentrated around:
- Evenings (5–8 p.m.)
- Weekends (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
When inventory is low, buyers will tour aggressively and expect shorter notice windows. When inventory is high, you can insist on more notice and curated private previews.
Local tip: advertise peak showing windows in your listing description. Buyers and agents in Georgetown look for clear, predictable windows.
Recommended notice timeline — what to use in different situations
Use this seller-tested guide for Georgetown, ON:
- Vacant home: 2–4 hour notice same day is fine. Keep a lockbox and clear instructions.
- Owner-occupied, no tenants: 24 hours preferred; 24–48 hours ideal for staged or cleaned homes.
- Rental unit with tenants: 24 hours written notice (RTA). Do not schedule outside 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Busy market/hot listing: Allow shorter windows (2–6 hours) during peak days, but balance with at least some 24–48 hour slots for serious buyers.
If you want to prioritize offers, create a 48-hour showing window leading to a closing date for offers. That increases buyer competition.
Practical showing schedule strategy for sellers in Georgetown
Structure showings around predictable windows:
- Weekend open window: Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Weeknight preview: Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Flexible same-day slots: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for agents who need quick viewings.
Put these windows in your MLS remarks and on your sign riders. Predictability brings more viewings and fewer wasted requests.
How to communicate notice — templates that get results
Use short, direct messages that respect privacy and set expectations. Here are two seller-ready templates:
- For tenants (written notice required under RTA):
“Dear [Tenant Name],
This is 24 hours written notice that the unit will be shown to prospective buyers on [Date] between [Start Time] and [End Time]. Please ensure common areas are clear. If you have questions, contact [Agent Name] at [phone/email].”
- For owner-occupant showings (text or email):
“Hi [Name],
We have a showing booked on [Date] at [Time]. Please secure pets and leave lights on. Agent will call on arrival. Thanks.”
Always include phone and email for the listing agent.
Staging, access, and tech that shorten required notice and increase offers
Make showings frictionless and you can reduce required notice without losing trust.
- Lockbox or keyless smart lock: Allows same-day viewings.
- Virtual tour and floor plan: Pre-qualifies buyers so only serious prospects ask for in-person showings.
- Clear showing instructions in MLS: How to enter, where to park, and pet handling.
- Quick clean checklist: Keep counters clear, hide personal items, and turn on lights.
When you combine flexible access with a strong virtual presence, you get more qualified buyers with fewer time slots needed.
Handling last-minute showing requests — yes or no?
Say yes selectively. A last-minute request from a serious agent can turn into a competitive offer. But set rules:
- Allow last-minute showings only during set windows (e.g., evenings or weekends).
- Require agents to text photo of buyer if less than 3 hours notice.
- Offer a one-time convenience fee or incentive for repeat disruptions for tenants (documented in writing).
Don’t accept strangers ad-hoc. Use your agent to vet every request.
What to do if a tenant refuses access
If a tenant refuses without reason, document all requests in writing and consult your listing agent. Under the RTA, tenants cannot unreasonably withhold consent to show the unit if proper 24-hour notice is given. Your agent can mediate. In rare cases, legal steps may be needed; that’s avoidable with good tenant communication and incentives.
Local negotiation tactic — use notice windows as leverage
In Georgetown you can use showing notice as a negotiation tool:
- Want higher offers? Create a short exclusive showing period and a 48-hour offer deadline.
- Want fewer disruptions? Limit showings to two blocks per week and price aggressively to attract buyers who are willing to meet your schedule.
Notice rules are not just logistics. They shape buyer psychology.
Straightforward checklist for Georgetown sellers
Before listing:
- Decide your acceptable notice: 24 or 48 hours.
- Set weekly showing windows in your listing remarks.
- Install lockbox or smart lock (if vacant).
- Order professional photos and a virtual tour.
- Prepare tenant notice templates if needed.
During the listing:
- Respond to showing requests within one hour.
- Keep a running log of showings and feedback.
- Offer short-term incentives for repeated disruptions (e.g., gift cards).
Why you should work with a local expert
Selling in Georgetown is different from selling downtown Toronto. You need an agent who knows the rhythm of Halton Hills buyers, school catchments, commuting patterns, and local buyer expectations. That expertise turns proper showing notice into more visits and better offers.
For a no-nonsense showing plan and local market strategy, contact Tony Sousa. He’s a Georgetown listing specialist who builds showing schedules that attract top offers and protect tenants. Phone: 416-477-2620. Email: tony@sousasells.ca. Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Common questions Georgetown sellers ask about showing notice
How much notice do I legally have to give for showings in Georgetown?
If the property has tenants, Ontario law requires 24 hours written notice and entry between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. For owner-occupied homes there is no specific provincial rule, but 24–48 hours is standard practice.
Can I refuse a showing if a buyer asks last minute?
Yes. You can refuse, but be strategic. Last-minute showings can lead to serious offers. Allow them selectively during your preset windows.
What if my home is vacant — do I need to give 24 hours?
No legal requirement for owner-occupied vacant homes, but give agents a clear same-day window (2–4 hours) and a lockbox for access.
How do I protect my tenants during showings?
Provide written 24-hour notices, set showings between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., offer minor incentives for cooperation, and keep communication open.
Will shortening notice hurt my sale?
If you shorten notice thoughtfully and couple it with virtual tours and staging, it can increase showings and offers. If you shorten notice without preparation, you may get fewer quality visits.
What if a showing results in damage or theft?
Document everything. Use a sign-in sheet or require agents to confirm buyer identity. Keep valuables secure. Your listing agent should have a showing protocol and insurance guidance.
Want a tailored showing schedule for your Georgetown home? Call Tony Sousa at 416-477-2620 or email tony@sousasells.ca. He’ll create a showing plan that respects tenants, attracts buyers, and gets you top dollar.
