DIY viewings - best tips needed please

[cakeywakey]

House has just gone on the market and we have two viewings tomorrow, the first of which the estate agent can't do so I'm going to show the people round.

We're only just buying our second house so have never done this before. I'd be very grateful for any hints and tips you could give me.

The only thing I really know is to let the viewer go into each room ahead of you so that you don't crowd them. (Am heavily pregnant so would be seriously crowding them ). All wise words much appreciated!

I always find this weird. In Scotland you do your own viewings.
Tell them about local amenities, bus routes, train stations, schools etc.
Tell them the reason for your moving if they ask but try to convey that you'd stay in the area if you could. (hopefully this isn't a lie)
If you've got nice neighbours mention that too.

Sure you'll get more. Good luck.

Let people look round by themselves at the end - always ask whether they want to do this?.Use plug in air freshners[well it works with my smelly 4 dcs!.Empty all bins and clear away clutter and ornaments.Put pots of flowering plants outside the front door and clears away bins/kids toys etc.

Whatever you do, do NOT use plug in air fresheners; most vile things on this planet, would make me run a mile... and call a police...

i agree some of them smell pretty disgusting but the airwick freesia and something smell nice and i have had several compliments on the smell of my house - honestly!

Thank you very much everyone (have to admit that I'm not a plug-in lover) will be aiming for a good 'all windows open' blow through in the morning.

Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather too as it makes the house look 100% better when the sun shines through it.

Make sure the toilet is clean.

Years ago, when DP and I were searching for our first flat, we viewed a flat 'in need of some renovation' (i.e. it was a tip).
I'll never forget going in the bathroom to find an unflushed poo in the toilet.
That was the final nail in the coffin

Eaglebird, that is so disgusting! Both of my loos were sparklingly clean yesterday

Our flat is currently on the market, and it's never been so clean and tidy .
So far, DP & I have done all the viewings ourselves, but it's becoming a pain so we've given the AE a spare key and will ask them to do most if not all of the new viewings.

Fed up of time-wasters, rude people, people turning up late, people turning up early, or even turning up and asking if they can come back later.
Decided that EA can deal with that crap, as that'spartly what we're paying them for.

Buying & selling is so stressful. And don't get me started on Stamp Duty! When we move, we're never going to move again. DP & I will leave our next home in our coffins.

I'm with you on the never moving again Eaglebird, just trying to get motivated to keep the house spick and span while trying to pack at the same time (and run around after a toddler while in my third trimester) is just far too stressful!

Cakey, I don't know how you manage it with a toddler AND being preg.
I, too, have a toddler. If I was preg too I Could only muster the strength to sit and eat cake. Hats off to you!
Hope your house sells soon.

i know you've had your viewing already but for any other ones in future...

Always try to start and finish on your best room as that is what will stick in their minds. So if your kitchen is amazing. Start there if possible and take them back there at the end for a final chat.

Be relaxed and don't witter too much as it makes you seem over-eager.

good luck!