You know your home better than anyone, more so than the any Estate Agent, who saw your house very briefly, then compiled details for prospective buyers.
You know what to highlight and what to downplay.
You only have one opportunity with each viewer to create a favourable first impression, if you get it right, you will have a better outcome.
This is the most important part of the sales process, remember, the prospective buyer will be looking at your home inside and out. So it goes without saying, that minor repairs and general sprucing up can make a difference, beware of strong paint smells, this alerts the potential buyers that something has been recently made over or covered up.
A quick tidy up of the garden, back and front can be to your advantage, it also adds kerb side appeal.
For your own safety and security, it is advisable to have someone with you when you are conducting viewings, a family member or a friend, but don’t let them get in the way of your general tour.
There are many tried and tested ways of enhancing the buyers senses, freshly brewed coffee, a frozen bread roll warming through in the oven or vanilla pods slowly heating in the oven, give a warm welcoming appeal. However there are many more tips to presenting your property in a favourable light.
1. Always allow the viewer to enter each room ahead of you; this creates a larger space making the room appear bigger.
2. Try to follow the For Sale brochure layout; it doesn’t confuse the buyer when there is a clear route through your home.
3. Never appear too keen or too negative when conducting the viewing, go with the flow, gently relating the good points of your home.
4. Keep the best room in the house till last where possible, this creates the “Wow Factor” and leaves a lasting impression on the buyer. Loiter in the kitchen with the viewer, even offering a hot drink cements a buying relationship.
5. When you are conducting the viewing, ask the buyer questions like; is your house already up for sale? Are you in a property chain? When do you think you could move? These help when you come to negotiating the sale.
6. Point out the favourable aspects of your property; How near you are to the local shops, where the local schools are. Which way the sun comes up in the morning.
7. It is worth having a list of your present council tax band and the annual cost, it is sometimes less inhibiting if you present it as a monthly cost, instead of the annual figure, the same with your water rates bill.
8. Do not forget to mention, any special features like, newly installed central heating or the designer kitchen, are you connected to the Internet? Is it by cable or phone? Be honest in regard to any guarantees that come with the property, i.e. Timber and Damp, double-glazing, the buyers solicitor will request them prior to completion. Also ensure that any items that remain in the property are clearly stated.
9. In winter months, ensure the house is warm, at least 30 minutes before the viewer arrives, if the viewing is late afternoon, put the lights on, it really does make the home more welcoming. Conversely in the summer months open lots of windows to create an airy environment.
10. At the end of the viewing, don’t be afraid to get feedback from the viewer, it helps in the event you may have to carry out more viewings.
11. It is unlikely the viewer will make an offer at this stage, they will need time to reflect, however be ready for the unexpected, the viewer may wish to return with their spouse and/or children, this is a positive sign and should be encouraged.
12. A well maintained, presentable and fairly priced home will sell its self.
13. Take the viewers phone number and contact details, if they are different to the ones provided by us.
14. Whilst most people are animal lovers, there are some, who are uncomfortable with animals, be it asthma or fear. For the short amount of time the viewer is in your home, it is sometimes advisable to put your animals at a safe location for the duration of the viewing.
15. Encourage the viewer to ask questions, the more they ask, the more interested they become in your property.
The benefit of selling your home yourself, is you have control over viewing times, you will not have to thoroughly clean the house from top to bottom every day just in case. You will know when a viewer is coming and prepare accordingly.
In the event that you are unable through other commitments to accept a viewer, we can provide accompanied viewing if requested, this is addition to our normal service, our charge for this extra service is £25.00 inclusive. We will pick up the key to your property and retain it in a secure location, returning same after the viewing. Please remember to include any security details you think will assist. It is extremely embarrassing when the police arrive due to the burglar alarm going off. For your peace of mind, any security codes can be changed, either before of after the viewing.
Feel free to call us prior to any viewing for any assistance we can offer.