Q: I HAVE my home on the market.
So far the estate agent has conducted all the viewings but they have now asked if I would cover any weekend viewings should they not be able to attend.
I agreed, but I am now panicking as I’ve never had to conduct a viewing before.
Do you have any tips?
Mrs H, Chalford.
A: From time to time it is not usual for estate agents to ask for support from vendors to conduct the odd viewing should they be experiencing high viewing volumes, more often than not during weekends.
To be honest, they wouldn’t be acting in your best interest if they just turned viewers away just because they were not available to conduct the viewing themselves.
So, before you show anyone around, spend a little time deciding which rooms to start with.
Think about the last time you viewed a property with an agent and plan a route that gives buyers the very best impression of your home.
Just because the downstairs cloakroom 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 two 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 of this 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. It is all in the planning
Plan your route.
Practise on family or friends if necessary; avoid having to ‘double back’ to missed rooms.
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.
This is not the time to worry about utility bills, if you need to wear a jumper, it’s too cold!
4. Not seen not heard
Make arrangement for children, pets, lodgers and any other family members to be out, 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 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.
Engage with the buyer by all means but steer clear of the hard sell.
And finally, unless confident that you’re fully prepared and have left the home looking spotless before rushing out to work, avoid the temptation to agree viewings on the spur of the moment.
Please continue to send in your property related questions to clive@sawyersestateagents.co.uk.