got a veiwer on saturday... first one for a year need to make it count

[pud1]

have had my flat on the market for 3 years with no luck. have got a viewer on saturday, not had any one look for about a year. and was hoping for some tips on how to make the most of it.
they are an old couple looking to downsize, they stopped us outside yesterday afetr booking an appointment to view. they had just come to check out the area. i feel that i was a bit rude not invitiing them in but with 2 kids under 2 the flat looks like toys r us and i wanted to make sure it was cleared of crap when they came.
i have asked the agent to show them round and i will make it spotless but have you got any more ideas.

I used to move a load of the kids toys and other bits out of the house into the car, gives the impression of space, remember they will look in cupboards, if you've got stuff rammed in there they will think there is a storage issue. Also fresh flowers always brighten up a room. Leave windows open for a few hours in the morning to freshen everything up, but make sure they're closed and the house is nice and cosy warm once they arrive. Fingers crossed for you!

pud i do feel for you
have you kept the same agent all this time?
mine's been on for ages and it's such a strain trying to keep the show home standard going on top of everything else isn't it?

Have you had feedback from the agent as to why there's been so little interest? i.e. is it purely market conditions or something to do with your flat that you could address by next Saturday?

Maybe walk around and look at each room with a fresh eye - would moving furniture into a different position maximise the feeling of space? (I did this with my living room last time I moved)

i have changed agents once. have been told i need to get a energy certificate now so was gooing to sort this out and change agents. havent got a hip as we have been on the market since before you needed them.
i am going to spend the day on friday cleaning / clearing and touching up paintwork. tbh i needed the motivation for a good spring clean.
i have just moved the bedroom round and it looks bigger.
the estate agent just said that the market is still very slow. i think that flats are going to be the last to pick up anyway. they converted anything into flats when the market was good so there is so many on the market now. i am just pleased we are groundfloor so we can attract the retired couples too.

blimey how have you managed to get away with not having that pointless energy report for so long?
make sure that you have those energy saving bulbs at the ready as the plonkers assessors penalise you on this
out of interest did the agent make you pay a fee for cancelling your contract with them?or was there a certain period of notice that you had to give?
sorry if i'm hijacking btw but there seems to be a lack of people struggling to sell on here and it's good tho equally demoralising to hear of others' experiences

i just keep telling the estate agent i am getting wuotes. tbh last time she called about it my youngest dd was in hospital after an op so i told her that it was not at the front of my mind at the time and she hasnt asked since.
when i did change agent i wasnt charged anything, i think i did have to give notice but cant remember how long. my new agent delt with it. changing didnt make much difference though.
am thinking of renting out flat and renting a house but dont have any savings so am scared of not having a fall back fund if no rent is paid or i have no tennnant. also dont know how it works when market picks up and decide to sell and buy again as i would either have a tennant or twould have to leave it empty and would struggle to find rent and morgage. sometimes i feel so trapped then other i think f@$k it. its will have to sell adventually

eventually

it's a real nightmare
will keep my fingers crossed for you
do let us know how the viewing goes

Pud, you could also look at the communal areas. I know they're not your responsibility normally, but you could at least vacuum them, pick up any stray junk mail and generally make them look tidy. Clean the main front door, if it needs it. If there is a front garden, at least pick up some weeds, tidy up rubbish bins etc. I did all this when I sold my first flat - well worth an hour of my time just to make it all look a bit more appealing. As you're ground floor, do you also have a rear garden. If so this is a major selling point and you need to highlight it.

Do you know if the couple are moving in from out of your area? If so, you could leave some information for them about e.g. the local bowling club, closest library, senior sessions at the leisure centre, convenience of local shops - anything you can think of that will make them feel they NEED to live in this desirable area!

hi all.
had the viewing today. thanks for all your ideas. let the agents carry out the viewing so have no clue as to how it went. the flat looked good ( i thought). well it bloody should after a full days cleaning. still dont hold out much hope though. will keep you posted if i hear in the next few days.