We all know that viewings are one of the most important factors in deciding to buy a house. Although we offer virtual viewings and 360 tours on our website, we understand that the majority of the time prospective buyers prefer to see the house in person before making the decision to purchase. Even in times such as these, house viewings are an essential part of the property buying process, and making sure a viewing goes right is more important than ever.
Tidy Up
Whilst you may not have time to Marie Kondo your whole house, clutter can be a deterrent even to those who wholeheartedly reject the minimalist lifestyle. Similar to the photos taken to sell your house online, the goal is to present a relatively neutral space that viewers can easily envision themselves in.
However, make sure you’re not packing away all the clutter in places the buyer may want to see! It’s not uncommon for viewers to be curious about house storage so make sure the garage or any built-in cupboards are in a presentable state.
This applies most to the kitchens and bathrooms as they can be some of the biggest selling points of a house. Making sure the kitchen cupboards are organised, taking out the bins, and clearing the clutter accumulated in the bathroom, as well as putting out clean towels are all good ways to make those spaces look more appealing to viewers.
Setting the Scene
Whilst not new, the idea of home staging is becoming increasingly popular. Simply put, it refers to the act of arranging and styling your home to look like a showroom to help the viewer better visualise the space as one that could function for them.
Even something as simple as putting a table in a room can transform the space from a neutral reception room to a functional dining room. Giving all spaces a clearly defined purpose can also positively impact the valuation.
Bright rooms are always looked upon favourably so make sure that each room gets as much light as possible. As well as making the rooms feel larger, it can also help to highlight features such as exposed beams and fireplaces.
Fixing Things Up
Although it may seem trivial, simple cosmetic fixes can make all the difference to the appeal of your house as they give the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for, even if the fence post was only straightened in the five minutes prior to their arrival!
Doing something as simple as repainting the front door, tidying the front garden (kerb appeal being crucial for a good first impression) or painting interior walls neutrally allows the viewers to envision themselves and their design aesthetic more easily, and reassures them that they won’t have to spend time after moving taking care of multiple small tasks.
During the Viewing
If you are preparing for a viewing in the near future, make sure to wipe down all door handles/surfaces both before and after the event, leave all internal doors open, and minimise the number of people in the house (even in times before social distancing, viewing homes whilst the residents were using them could feel like an intrusion).
Also make sure that if you have pets, any fur is hoovered up and they are kept out of the way. We all love our pets, but you can’t guarantee the viewers will feel the same.
You can read more on our procedures for viewings during COVID-19 here, or you can contact us directly for more information about our services in the residential property market.