house up for sale - how do you show people round?

[fio2]

Our estate agents said show them the downstairs let them go outside on their own and then say go and look upstairs on you own. But they have been disappearing for ages upstairs- he says it gives them time talk, but it makes me feel funny. What do you guys do?

They are probably rifling through your knicker drawers!!

thats what I thought!

why isn't your estate agent doing it? its what you are paying him for...

sorry that wasn't helpful. I must say I hate looking round houses while estate agents hover at my elbow, I would rather they stayed downstairs.

the estate agent said they would do it for me, would that be better?

PPH I paid my last estate agent to
(a) not return my calls
(b) stand around looking halfwitted while people poked around my house
(c) produce particulars with more typos than the Grauniad

When my ex and I recently went through with our "house" sale we had such a small flat that there was no choice but to be in the same room as viewers!

That said, we were allowed to go to another part of the house that we were interested in buying in private to discuss what we'd while it was all fresh in our heads - so to speak . . .

Don't worry about potential knicker voyeurs, they are more likely to be picturing their perfect home, good luck and best wishes for your sale!

ust won't say anything and will leave thinking there is a problem...

From my House Dr etc addiction have gleaned a few tips. Show them a good feature first and last. Don't enter a small room ahead of the viewers - it will make it feel smaller. Don't stand in front of a window or block out natural light. Don't point out the obvious or draw attention to negatives. Invite them time to look around again by themselves if they seem genuinely interested.

Personally I would not let them entirely loose upstairs but make sure fitted cupboards and airing cupboard are not overflowing just in case.

Fingers crossed for you.

well it only went up for sale ysterday and all those who viewed yesterday want to come back for a second viewing, so do you think it works?

Thanks libb, cd, pph btw

I think my estate agent should've paid me! I'm certain that I spent the same amount in phone calls as fees . . . .

That said, the two sales went pretty smoothly for Cambridge - although I do miss the house we brought . . .

now isn't that strange, it ate 2/3rd of my message!!

anyway to cut it short I told CD that it was clearly money well spent, and fio, I think the agents are better because they are better at "selling", and also if the people don't like something they will tell the agent who can then give them three good reasons why whatever it is doesn't matter. If you are there they won't tell you what they are concerned about at all and will just leave thinking there is a problem...

we had a good chat after the viewing aswell, I didnt just shove them back outside

thanks pph

I have to admit that I do enjoy those house selling programmes that show you how other parts of the country are valued. Location Location Location and the one where they show actual investros being given 4 weeks to make the house saleable . . .

I spent the other night yelling at the TV when one silly old bat was on - very naughty.

I've done the house doctoring treatment on ours and relies/friends think its unrecognisable!!! must have been a s$$thole before

I whizzed people round pointing out things like massive deep wardrobes, the lovely view from window while chatting away about how much I loved living here and the area was so nice etc then said right I'll be downstairs - take your tiem and look round on your own.

There were some people who I just didn't want to buy my house iykwim!

Thanks TC dh thinks I go OTT saying how nice it is etc.!!!

The last house we lived in had some serious downsides (right next door to a very loud bowling club) so it worked much better for us to have the agents show everyone round, as I'd have been too honest about the negatives. They sold it really quickly, although I'm not sure they were entirely truthful!

Good luck, I hope it sells soon!

Act as if you are relaxed and happy in the house, and pleased to see them.

I used to be 'ever so candid' about the most minor, minor defects, so that they would think i was trustworthy and wouldn't be covering anything else up.....Don't know whether I should have admitted that!

Take an interst in THEM, ask about their life, where they live now, and say something complimentary about it...i.e make tham feel good about themselves whilst in your house!

Casually drop in any details about great community spirit in street, easy access to public transport, shops cinemas or whatever your strengths are, that sound as if they suit their particular lifestyle (but in conversation, not as a hard sell).Show them round once then let them look on their own and then ask if they have any questions.

I am in the middle of this aswell for the 6th time in 6 years I must be mad.Keep all toys out of the way if poss but leave a couple for a lived in homely feel aswell as afew newspapers etc Too tidy may make people suspicious

Why arent your estate agents doing the veiwings ? It doesn't cost anything extra (or at least it shouldn't), make them earn their percentage ! I would say that the golden rules of 'doing it yourself' are....

1. show them around the entire house yourself, let them go into rooms 1st but guide them. If you go into the room first then you are likely to make it look that bit more cluttered and buyers generally want clutterfree space.

2. Try and keep the interior doors closed, opening them as you show each individual room. So that your buyers are only viewing one space at a time and aren't being overloaded with rooms.

3. I wouldn't leave them 'alone' to be honest, they'll have plenty of time to talk about it when the viewing is over. Or if you feel that they really should have time, then give them 10 mins alone when you have shown them around the entire house. You could say something like, 'I'll give you a few minutes to have another look around together'.

4. DON'T POINT OUT FAULTS OR PROBLEMS. If there is anything major that needs doing, get quotes for the jobs and that way you can give your buyer an approx cost to remedy it, if they ask.

5. It is said that most buyers make up their minds within 15 seconds of being in your house so make first impressions count. For instance, clear you front garden of weeds, toys or litter (if you have one that is). Make sure your front door paint isn't peeling or grubby, polish your door furniture (knockers, numbers etc).

I'm looking at lots of houses at the moment and definately prefer to have agents doing the viewing - I always feel really uncomfortable poking around in peoples houses when they are watching me (and I don't go through knicker drawers, but I would open fitted cupboards if size wasn't apparent from outside)
I have seen two places where the owners were really nice and sold me on the village/area/schools etc, but it didn'y make me want to buy their particular house, just one in the area

Definately get the estate agent to show your house - it's their job!! They do it all day everyday and a big plus is that they will be better at selling something that they aren't emotionally involved in. It's money in the bank - the highest offer gets the house (and the buyer in the best position to buy of course!). You'd be surprised how many people won't accept offers from people they didn't like!

I never bloody knew estate agents were supposed to take people round. Harrumph.

Have to say I had a practised patter with casual 'spontaneous' mentions of things I particularly enjoyed about my last flat