GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR BUYER VIEWINGS

GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR BUYER VIEWINGS

First impressions last, so it is important to create a good first impression. Buying a home to live in is an emotional process - it is where we spend time with our family and raise our kids.

Here are 9 practical tips to position your property in the best possible light:

1. Visible clutter
   Buyers need to have clear visibility of walls, doors, windows, size and so on. Too many ornaments or plants standing around makes it difficult for potential purchasers to visualise themselves living in the property. Spacious rooms resonate with buyers. They want to be able to imagine what the room will look like with their furniture so remove anything which is not essential to make the property more visibly appealing.
    
2. Untidy garages and storerooms
   I was in a property this week where you could eat off the floor in the garage. It was meticulous.
   Pay special attention to garages and storerooms. While a garage can be great for storage, remember the buyer needs to be able to see the garage in terms of size and features. Be sure to also clean the floor and driveway so that there are no visible oil or dirt marks or fuel smells.
    
3. Messy cupboards and untidy bathrooms, laundry, and scullery
   It is not unusual for buyers to want to see the inside of cupboards and bathroom vanities to get a sense of the storage space available. Buyers want clean cupboards and tidy areas. It is therefore important to tidy your wardrobes, kitchen cupboards as well as bathroom vanities, laundry, and scullery areas.
    
4. Personal effects
   Prospective purchasers need to visualise themselves living in your home. It is therefore always advisable to remove items of a personal nature including family photographs and personal trinkets. Do not forget to remove all those magnets on the fridge as well.
    
5. Gym equipment
   You often find gym equipment in the bedroom or sometimes even in the living area. 
   Ensure that it does not appear cluttered and rather store small items away from sight during viewings. If you are using a spare bedroom as a gym (or anything other than a bedroom), ensure it is neat and tidy.
    
6. Children's toys
   These should be removed and the bedrooms as neat and clutter free as possible. I get it, homes are lived in but when buyers are stepping over Lego pieces it is not ideal!
    
7. Pet beds and paraphernalia
   Not all buyers are pet lovers, and some potential purchasers may even have allergies. Ensure pet beds, feeding bowls, pet toys and scratching posts are out of the way during viewings.
   Pet odours and hairs can be very off putting for buyers.
    
8. Do not smoke in the house before or during the viewing.
    
9. Ensure the garden is kept and presents well (and not like a burden to prospective buyers).

Our agents will guide the sellers and assist them with optimal staging (for photography and viewings). It can be sensitive. You tell a dog lover to air the house out and see their reaction! But we are trained and well-versed, and take buyers' feedback into account (we've been doing it for many years so have a good understanding of what works well and what detracts from the home).

These tips cost nothing, and will make the world of difference to prospective buyers.