Preparing your home for viewings

The viewing is a critical part of the selling process for the person selling.

Your job is to make your property as desirable as possible. The estate agent may have given you some advice on how to prepare for selling, such as finishing any specific DIY jobs and give a lick of paint anywhere that needs it.

It is always a good idea to remove clutter and make sure it is spotlessly clean. Don't forget to clean the windows inside and have the outside cleaned to maximise the light. Just in case the estate agent asks you to step in to conduct the viewing, plan how you would show a potential purchaser around and have a practise run to rehearse a sales pitch with friends or family, concentrating of course on the positives.

Also mention the local area as those new to the area will be looking at these aspects as well. On the day of the viewing make sure your home is clean and tidy, open the windows to let in some fresh air (but don't let it get too cold). If you are conducting an evening viewing, avoid cooking beforehand and make sure your home is well-lit.

The old cliches that putting on fresh coffee and putting out fresh flowers really does help as you are trying to make your home appeal to all their senses.

Once a viewing has been successful, the potential purchaser usually likes to see the property for a second time. If they are happy they will put forward an offer subject to contract via your estate agent. Click here to proceed to: dealing with an offer