Tips for doing viewings?

[StiffGandT]

Our house has been on the market for 2 weeks and we have the first viewing this weekend - any tips or do's and don'ts? Thanks

Just point out the good features of every single room n garden. We said things about sitting in garden with wine in early evening sun haha n pointed out what viewer could do in terms of furniture if ours wasn't there. We also went completely minimalist and had absolutely nothing out in any room apart from essentials ie cushions and lamps etc.

Thanks Cheryl, have decluttered massively so hopes that helps!

Good luck! :) x

Once you've done the tour, offer to leave them to have a look round at their own pace. I find it much easier to imagine how we would use a room, where we could put our furniture etc. without the vendor standing there talking the whole time! Also, think about the main questions people are likely to ask and make sure you know the answers - I found that people tended to ask what the council tax band is, which way the garden faces and what time of day it gets the sun. Don't panic if they catch you out with a tricky question though, you can always offer to find out and let them know through the agent.

Good luck!

Good points, thanks Hefner

Before you show them around tell them: "I'll show you around and then you can have a look around by yourselves if you like and I'll just be in the kitchen/garden/wherever".

Be friendly but don't chat too much.

Make sure the house is nice and warm if the weather is a bit on the cool side. Now is not the time to be worrying about heating bills - even if you just pop the heating on for an hour before the viewers arrive and turn it off the minute they leave.

Prepare a reason why you are moving not 'the house is too small' or 'moving for better schools'!!
Know some info on the schools - approx distance, ofsted rating, your kids or neighbours kids going to it and loving it etc...
Lights on if the rooms are dark, they will be so busy taking it all in they won't notice.
Any left over clutter, lock in the car.

If you have pets make sure they are out of the way - well out of the way.

I went to view a house & a large dog greeted me & jumped up at me.

I walked out - I am not a dog hater but also not a dog lover & I was just not prepared to view the house with the dog.

Make sure the viewers enter any room before you - so they see the empty room, not your back view.

Show them round & then leave them to have another look.

Make sure that the house is warm, but also that it has been aired well.

Good Luck!