A ‘how to’ guide for conducting successful viewings. This was an article I wrote for Sarah Beeny’s property website Tepilo in 2010.
When selling their homes my clients benefit hugely from advice given for their own individual circumstances and properties but the general advice given in this article can help clinch that sale!
Show Time
Supposing all your hard work has paid off and after you’ve tidied up a bit, taken some good photos and advertised your property, you suddenly get asked if a potential buyer can come and view your home.
If you’re not going down the conventional Estate Agent route, selling your property and achieving the best price, is now all down to you!
Unless confident that you’re fully prepared and left the place looking spotless before rushing out to work, avoid the temptation to agree viewings on the spur of the moment.
Before you show anyone around, spend a little time deciding which rooms to start with. Think about the last time you viewed a property and plan a route that gives buyers the very best impression of your home. Just because the downstairs loo is right by the front door, doesn’t mean it should be the room you take buyers into first! Equally, if you have more than 2 floors, is it really a good idea to take them to a room on the top floor last?
For some, the ‘show round’ can be a nerve racking nightmare; Where do I start? Will they like it? What do I say? What if they offer? Much is common sense but the emotional attachment you have with your home is often hard to put aside
To conduct a ‘perfect’ viewing, I find that many of my clients need advice on individual aspects of their property. However, the following guidelines can apply to every viewing and might just help you clinch that sale!
1. Its all in the planning;
Plan your route. Practise on family or friends if necessary; avoid having to ‘double back’ all the time.
2. Welcome your guests;
Don’t make the buyer feel like an intruder, let them view your property in a relaxed and unhurried manner.
3. Turn up the heat;
Check the temperature. Don’t worry about the utility bills now, if you need to wear a jumper – its too cold!
4. Not seen not heard;
Get rid of the kids, pets, lodgers and any other family members, your property will seem more spacious and you can give the buyers undivided attention.
5. Light and bright;
Turn on side lamps for warmth and atmosphere, take down the nets, pull up the blinds (unless there’s an unsightly view!) and let the light flood in.
6. Let them linger;
Offer tea or coffee, relax with a chat, the longer they linger the more ‘at home’ they will feel.
And finally, Engage with the buyer by all means but steer clear of the hard sell!
By Helen Silver from The Property Styling Company www.propertystylingcompany.co.uk
Follow Helen on Twitter: @propertystyling