Unlocking the Secret to Successful Viewings
No one can ever know your home as well as you do, but does that mean you should accompany the viewings when trying to sell? This article explores this key question further.
Homeowners who are selling their properties often fall into one of two camps. They are either horrified at the thought of showing buyers around their homes, or they believe they should do the viewings because it is their house and no one will know the property better. But who is right?
Ultimately, when you are selling your home, you're in control. If you'd prefer to show your own property to prospective buyers, that is your prerogative. Likewise, if you find the whole idea of showing your home to strangers awkward and uncomfortable, that is fine, too. There are solid arguments for both options, which we will delve deeper into here.
No one will indeed know your property better than you. You've lived there, repaired things that have broken, upgraded and refurbished parts of the property. You know every inch of the property intimately, and being on hand during the viewing appointments will ensure no questions go unanswered.
But, too much information can overwhelm viewers. If you tell them about every single repair that has ever been done, they might be left with the thought that the property takes a lot of maintenance. When a buyer is viewing a property for the first time, they are trying to get a feel for the house to see if they could see themselves living there. Bombarding them with facts and information about the property is really more of a distraction.
If you opt to show your property yourself, you will have to be available for the appointments, which could mean either taking time off work or only holding viewings of the property in the evenings and weekends. This restrictive appointment timing could mean that viewers might not be able to view at all.
The solution? If you can, allow your estate agents to show the property, at least for the initial viewing. They are professional salespeople, and you are paying them for their professional service. Let them do what they do best, and the initial viewings will be sure to go smoothly.
The best way to ensure that the viewings are as effective as possible is to have a meeting with your agent before the viewing appointments. This allows you to share all the essential details about the property that they might need to know. Many agents will ask you to complete a questionnaire before marketing begins so that they have the knowledge required to conduct an effective viewing of your home.
Then, make yourself scarce. Take the dogs out for a walk or the kids to the park. Or why not indulge in a half hour of peace and enjoy a coffee? Give the agents and the viewers the space to take in the property. You don't need additional humans or animals in the house, making the place feel small and cramped. Your absence can also make the viewers feel more comfortable and free to explore your property.
If your agent does not accompany viewings: -
- Consider asking a friend or a partner to take the pets and kids out, leaving you to do the viewing. Embrace the silence as the viewers take in the property, and don't feel that you have to fill the gaps with banal information - remember, less is more!
- Allow the viewers time to take everything in. Ideally, after the initial tour, leave them to walk around alone so they can focus on the property and not making polite conversation with you. Viewers could be distracted by polite small talk, and whilst they might leave thinking they got on well with you, the property may not be so clear in their minds.
If your estate agent will carry out the viewing appointments as part of their service, let them. They are professionals and you are paying them for their expertise. If the viewers have any particularly pressing questions, they can be answered later.
For more information about the best way to sell your home, get in touch with our team of highly experienced property agents today.