When the potential buyer enters each room for the first time, the impression that they get must be consistently good and it takes careful preparation to achieve this. One of the most positive impressions that can be created is that of space, and everything you do to prepare for viewings should be focussed on creating a feeling of space.
A big clear-out is a good idea. You can make some money at the car boot sale, give away bits and bobs to grateful charities and reduce the amount of packing you need to do for moving.
De-clutter every room, this is one of the best things you can do when preparing for viewings. Keep personal mementoes and photographs to a minimum, you can pack these away in preparation for moving.
Doors - A great way to give the feeling of space is to ensure all doors can be fully opened with no obstructions. If a viewer can open a door to a room fully, this provides extra light and gives a great feeling of space. If a chest of drawers is in the way, consider a change of position or possibly put into storage until after a sale is secured.
No Music Please - It is a good idea to remove any distractions, to keep potential buyers focused on the property and facilities. Music, computer games and the television are best left switched off.
Storage Space - Increase your storage space by sorting out and/or throwing away what is no longer required. It is better to do it now than wait until you are moving. This will also make your storage spaces appear larger.
Bedrooms - Tidy bedrooms and a made-up bed appear to be more spacious and accommodating. Get into the habit of making the bed as soon as you get up and placing all dirty linen in the laundry basket; this will help you to feel less rushed if potential buyers wish to make an appointment.
Conversation - Do not forget common courtesy. Explain the overall features of the property then give the main details of each room. Don't be afraid of silence, visitors will have to absorb a lot of information. Let the buyer look around at their own pace, do not rush them. Remember this is normally the most expensive purchase in a person's life.
Safety First - It is advisable to keep your hallway, stairs and any passageway free from objects that potential buyers could trip on. Sometimes a full family including relatives may need showing round.
Revisits - Another look around may help potential buyers decide. So let them wander and revisit rooms at will. If possible stand at the doorway of the room to let them talk. Serious buyers often ask to revisit to check out points they may have missed previously. Be prepared for an extra barrage of questions.
Honesty - Answer questions truthfully. Do not mislead people as purchasers can easily sense this and confidence and trust can quickly evaporate. It is against the law to give false information. Remember don't volunteer too much information wait for them to ask questions.
Nice Smells Sell - Shops use this technique to get you to buy bread. Bake some cakes, this will give the house a nice aroma. Similarly ensure that the rooms are well ventilated and aired with no unpleasant odours to put people off.
Don't Apologise - Show your home in the most positive way. Don't fall into the trap of apologising for issues as this can suggest problems that don't exist. If there is something that requires attention and this is obvious, why not get an estimate from a reputable tradesman on how much it would cost to rectify. If this is done prior to a viewing, you are fully armed should a viewer raise the issue.
For example, if a flat roof requires attention and this is obvious, get an estimate. You can then tell the viewer that it will only cost a few hundred pounds to fix and it does not become a deal breaker. Back this up with an estimate from a reputable tradesman and it is no longer an issue.
Gardens - This can be an excellent selling point to any house. Ensure that your garden is clutter free and that borders are weeded and lawns cut. Overgrown shrubs and tree can make a garden look small so prune them back at the right time of the year to ensure new growth is visible.
Outbuildings - These can be a major selling point in any property. Make sure that you keep them well maintained and free from junk and rubbish. Tidy them and make several visits to the tip to dispose of damaged or unwanted items. In some cases it is worthwhile taking the items to a car boot sale.
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