Tips for doing your own house viewings please?

[tirednervousfedup]

It's a 1 bed flat in a very desirable city centre area that has had new kitchen and bathroom. I have some second viewings coming up and I'm feeling a bit more nervous about them. When we viewed houses people very kindly said they'd stay downstairs and let us have a private look, but my flat is open plan so I can't really do that!

Estate agent told me not to discuss money but lots of people asked straight out (Scotland- offers over).

Will you be going to a closing date? If so, if they ask about price I’d say something like ‘I’ll likely take the highest bid, there’s been plenty of interest’. Their solicitor will tell them how many notes of interest there are, and advise on a price likely to succeed.

If you’re open to accepting an offer without a closing date, then something like ‘I’d be willing to sell before closing date for the right offer - which would have to be in excess of the Home Report valuation’. That only works if you’re getting plenty of interest, otherwise you’ll just put people off.

I actually found it very beneficial having the owners there and in fact, the two properties we have offered on (one, the owners pulled out and decided not to sell and one we bought), the owners did first and second viewings. The owners we actually bought from even had us back for lunch for a third viewing. If the layout doesn’t allow you to disappear, I’d meet them at the door and welcome them in and then just take yourself to the lobby, garden, outside, whatever until they’re done and then just check in to see if they have any final questions.

I'd just sit on the sofa in the main room on my phone and tell them to wander at will.

Re the selling price. I can totally see why people would ask. I'd say "at least the valuation but I'll be going to a closing date unless it's a crazy irresistible offer."

The estate agent recommended seeing how this week goes and then deciding about the closing date.

It's just so open. There isn't really anywhere to tuck myself away and let them wander. Awkward!

I have always shown my own houses and all have sold very quickly. Get through to them what you've loved about living there and what's good about the neighbourhood.

Try to find out early on what is motivating them to move then point out the aspects of your property that meet that motivation. If I would were doing it for my house, for example, I would find out if they wanted move in ready (which it is) or a project (there is still room in the loft to develop to create more floor space). Sometimes you have to help them to be creative on that one!