Selling a house is an art. As with every form of art, it requires skill, attention to detail, and an understanding of the audience. When selling your house, one of the key steps you’ll encounter is hosting house viewings. This is your opportunity to impress potential buyers and help them envision the space as their future home. If you prefer to host your own viewings rather than let us do it (we prefer we do!) here’s some useful tips to help you conduct successful house viewings.
First Impressions Count
A first impression is made within seconds and it can influence a buyer’s overall perception of your property. Before the viewing, ensure that your home’s exterior is clean and appealing. Freshly cut grass, blooming flowers, and a neatly painted front door can work wonders in creating a great first impression. If you can park your car out of sight, remove unsightly bins and recycling boxes, ensure the gate is working and check the path leading up to your property is clean. If your front door’s not seen a lick of paint since you moved in, a fresh once-over can make all the difference and impress potential buyers before they’ve walked in the door.
Declutter
Decluttering is not just about making your home look neat; it’s about helping potential buyers visualise themselves living in your house. By removing personal items and creating a clean, spacious environment, buyers can more easily imagine their own possessions and lifestyle fitting into the space. Remove personal photos and aim for sleek uncluttered surfaces throughout. Remove all evidence of pets – bowls and beds etc and tidy up the kids toys keeping floors clear to make the room look more spacious.
Deep Clean
Cleaning your house thoroughly before a viewing is essential. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and ensuring the bathroom and kitchen – areas where dirt can be particularly off-putting – are spotless. A clean house not only appears well-maintained, but it also tells potential buyers that you take good care of your property and that it’s in move-in condition. Resealing baths and sinks and replacing shower door moulds are easy and inexpensive and make a huge difference.
Natural Light
Lighting plays a significant role in influencing a buyer’s perception of your house. A well-lit home feels warm, inviting, and spacious. Where possible, arrange viewings during daylight hours and open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If certain rooms lack natural light, enhance them with warm artificial lighting.
Pleasant Aromas
Smell has a powerful impact on how we perceive environments. Bad odours can instantly turn off buyers, while pleasant smells can make your home feel cozy and inviting. Consider doing some baking or brewing coffee shortly before the viewing. However, avoid strong or potentially divisive scents, as they can be off-putting to some people.
Set the Temperature
Temperature can greatly influence comfort within a house. During colder months, ensure your home is adequately heated, creating a cozy, welcoming environment. In warmer months, open windows or doors to maintain a pleasant temperature.
Make it Feel Like Home
Little details can make a big difference in making your house feel like a home. Consider staging with cosy elements such as throw blankets, pillows, and plants. A set dining table, a lit fireplace, or even a well-placed book can make your home feel lived in, and yet aspirational.
Be Ready to Answer Questions
Potential buyers will likely have many questions about your home. Be prepared to answer these queries confidently and honestly. Key information about the local area, the house’s history, utility costs, or any renovations can be useful to have at your fingertips and provide reassurance.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you find the process of staging and conducting viewings overwhelming, we will do it all for you – we can even arrange help with cleaning and staging if needed. We aim to make your moving experience as stress free as possible, so let us do the heavy lifting….
Leave Room for Privacy
Finally, allow potential buyers some time alone in your house. This gives them a chance to discuss their thoughts openly, without feeling pressured or watched, and can help them feel more comfortable in the space.
In conclusion, conducting successful house viewings revolves around creating an inviting, clean, and clutter-free environment that potential buyers can envision as their own. Remember, selling your house is about creating a connection between the buyer and the property. With careful planning and attention to detail, we can help you make your home stand out and appeal to the right buyer, facilitating a smoother, quicker sale.
