A viewing tomorrow - help please?

Kathy220559

Hi

My hubbie and I decided to sell up and move somewhere smaller to free up some money and clear some debts.

Our house has been on the market for 2 weeks and we have our first viewing tomorrow!!

The EA just called and they cannot do the viewing as they don't do them on Sundays so its down to yours truly!

Can anyone give me any tips on what to do and not to do. Also, what to say and not to say, any preparations etc.

We have lived here nearly 30 years so its a long, long time since I had to do this. Any advice would be really helpful

Thanks
Kathy

cattie

I've just recently sold my house within 2 days & did all the viewings. :j

I saved the best room 'till last, in my case my huge open plan kitchen/dining room. I started uptairs with the bathroom, which was another room with impact, followed by main bedroom, then 2nd & leaving the smallest bedroom to last. Next it was down to the living room & then into the kitchen/dining room overlooking the garden. Also I allowed viewers to enter the rooms first, before I followed them in.

Along the way I pointed out all the positives, especially those not immediately apparent, ie fully boarded & insulated loft with enlarged hatch & retractable ladder, top of range boiler regularly serviced, cavity wall insulation etc.

I then asked them did they want to have a wander around alone & all said yes. When they had finished looking around I then asked was there anything they wanted to know that I hadn't covered. Everyone said no so I must have done everthing right. :T

Everybody came from or knew my local area so I didn't need to explain much about that. I just pointed out the convenience to the local station & how near we are to acres of open parkland & woods.

Good luck.

pickles110564

I always ask them to take their shoes off as soon as they cross the threshold, if they won't or say why should I then they are only coming round for a nose.
Explain to them after they have bought your loverly home they can do what they like.
I have done this in the last 4 homes that I have sold and found that everyone who takes their shoes off are genuine veiwers and more than likely will think that you really take care looking after your house

Running_Horse

Don't try too hard. Chances are they will come to a decision on the house based on its own merits. If you appear too desparate it will be reflected in any offer. By all means offer a cup of tea and a chat.

brock-cruse

Hi
Apparently it takes only something ridiculous like 30 seconds for someone to either like/dislike your house so first thing is getting the front looking nice and tidy! Must admit we never even make an appointment to view a house until we have checked out the area and done a drive pass!!
I would then personally take them to the most impressive room downstairs room in your house. For us we took viewers straight in, passed the playroom and downstairs loo straight to the kitchen/diner which is light and airy and has a good view of the big back garden! Our downstairs kitchen/diner is open plan so this lead nicely onto the lounge area, then followed this by the back garden through the open patio doors (good feature if you have them!) and then backtracking to the useful downstairs wc, playroom before heading upstairs. Upstairs it was straight to the master bedroom and then to each bedroom in turn and the bathroom. Generally point out good features eg private garden, storage space, fitted wardrobes, phone lines/BB connections/sky/aerials. Never say anything negative about the house. Then say that you will let them wander around on their own...always think this is a must as then they can get a good feel for the place. As they are on their way out point out the good things about the local area and then ask about their own situation (get more from them than EA) and if they have any further questions. Always say that if they think of somethingl ater then tell them not to hesitate to get back in touch. Think thats about it really. Good luck!!!

bylromarha

Sounds awfully Andrew Winter, but "selling the lifestyle" did it for me.

Don't just point out the positives, but say how they are a benefit when living there.

so egs for me were

"the canal basin is 5 min walk away-it's great for a sunday afternoon stroll when you want to get out but don't want to go far or use the car"

"the garden is southfacing-it's got lots of bedding space, but also easy to maintain so you aren't spending ages weed pulling" (it was quite small, but lovely!)

Also have facts ready about council tax payments, cost of utilities etc

From a seller point of view, I think you do a better job than the EA as you do know answers to all the questions and know the real assets of your house far better than them. From a buyer point of view, don't get too emotional but point out all the things to the viewer as to why that house has worked for you for such a long time.

Let us know how it goes...all the best.

Kathy220559

Thanks everyone....some great advice there. I am pleased that I am going to be here. The agent told us it was better if they did the viewings but I wasn't sure. Now I am convinced that it is better if I do it. I have lived here 30 years so I must know more than he does.

I am a bit concerned though as it is a guy on his own. Should I be, or is that just me being silly! Its a family home really, 3 bed semi, so I am a bit puzzled.

Also, I want my hubbie to take the dog out for the viewing...he's only small but can get a bit 'friendly' so I know he will be better out of the way...but it means I will have to do the viewing on my own.

I am scared!!!

Running_Horse

Check with the estate agent to see if he has been vetted.

Mine checked viewers on the electoral register.

beard0609

Hi... used to work in an EA as a "Saturday Girl" (i was married with 2 small ones at the time!!) and my job was to show people round empty house or accompany viewings.. I found if you let them go into the room first it will seem bigger on first impressions as there is less bodies in the room... Don't say "this is the biggest bedroom etc" as it's implying that the others are much smaller.. people can easily establish if a room is bigger enough also don't state the obvious "this is the kitchen.. this is the toilet etc... " people can see!!!!
As others have said push the lifestyle and don't say you are moving to free up money as it could make them think it's an expensive house to maintain or that you are desperate to sell and will amke stupid offer... Also make sure everyone is dressed I let myself into a supposedly empty house to be greated by a naked man asleep on the sofa!!!