How to get your property ready for viewing.

So, you’ve made the decision to sell your home. You’ve put your house on the market and now you’re waiting for the right buyer to come along. When a property goes on the market, a lot of potential buyers will drive by the property before they book a viewing. You must therefore ensure that the exterior of your home looks as appealing as possible. Ensure any grass has been mown, no clutter is lying about, and the pathway is clear and tidy.

The key thing to remember, is that you need to view your property through the eyes of a potential buyer. Take a step back and look at the property as if it were new to you. What would your thoughts be? What could potentially be viewed as a turn off.

As soon as you have some viewings booked in, it’s time to get your property ready for sale. In an ideal world your home would speak for itself, but sometimes viewers need a little help seeing its full potential. Before a viewing, it is best to do a final sweep of the house. Make sure it is clean and tidy and there are no obvious small repair jobs outstanding that could put potential buyers off. This is critical as it makes your property appear well-looked after and can encourage buyers to proceed with the sale. You might also want to consider removing any pets or noisy children to create a calmer atmosphere. Also, if you have a parking space, we recommend leaving it free for the buyer. You want to make your property as welcoming as possible.

Additional steps to take

If the viewing is on a warm sunny day, open the windows and let fresh air in. Or alternatively, if the viewing is on a cold wet day, make a fire or put the heating on. You want to make the atmosphere as homely as possible. Also ensure that there are no unwanted odours; ensure all bins have been emptied and try to air the rooms out before the buyers arrive. You could even add some fresh flowers or plants throughout the house.

You’ll also want to make the rooms seem as bright and appealing as possible. Make sure all windows are unobstructed, the curtains are pulled back and turn any lights on where necessary.

During the viewing

When the viewing begins, you want to allow the potential buyers space to look around. Invite them to enter the rooms first to give them an idea of what the property would feel like if they lived there. Also try to showcase the best rooms first, highlighting any key features that make the property desirable.

Ensure you have an optimistic attitude throughout the viewing. If the property has recently had any work done, inform the buyer as this will look positively on the property. Give the viewer as much information as you can without bombarding them. Allow them to ask questions, and make sure you can answer them as best you can.

Also try to do a little research beforehand on the neighbourhood, and inform them of any local shops, schools, activities in the area that could be of interest. People want to ensure that the area is right for them too, not just the property.

Offer Return Viewings

If people seem keen on the property, tell them that they are very welcome to come back for further viewings. Buying a property is a hug decision and people would often welcome the opportunity to come back for another look, perhaps with their children or other family members for a ‘fresh set of eyes’. Letting people know you are happy for return viewings can put people at ease and make them feel welcome.

Be patient

Sometimes you can be lucky, and your home will sell within a few viewings, other times it may take much longer. Don’t let your strategy slip. Keep the house tidy and remain positive, the next viewing may be your last one!

Buying or selling a property can be a very stressful and confusing time. At Avery & Co we are happy to help you through the process. We offer RICs accredited surveys on homes you may be thinking of buying and will talk you through the findings and their implications for you.

If you would like to have a survey conducted, we’d be happy to assist. You can find out more details on the main page of our website, or you can ask any questions directly here. If you’d prefer to speak to someone in person you can our number directly on 0151 321 2000.