1st June 2022 / Sarah Lowry: Secrets to Making a Good Impression

Inviting strangers to walk into your home as prospective buyers can be nerve-wracking! Most owners will leave the property and return after potential buyers have finished their inspection.

The departure of an owner encourages buyers to speak more freely about the property, and they won't feel as if they are visitors. This is important, because you want potential buyers to believe they can turn your property into their own home.

As experienced local agents, we always work closely with clients to ensure their home is in perfect condition before a viewing.

Preparation is critical in garnering buyer interest and pushing for the best possible price outcome. We've created a seven-point guideline to help you get ready for those all-important viewings.

First Impressions

Psychologists will tell you that first impressions are the most important, taking milliseconds to form, and creating a lens through which everything else is experienced. So, we have to ensure your home warm and welcoming (particularly on the chilly days of Winter)!

Curb Appeal

If you're selling a house, the property must be appealing from the street. It should have a tidy front yard, with the lawn mown, shrubs trimmed and flowerbeds free of weeds. We don't want to see peeling paint on the exterior or children's toys scattered on the grass.

The Threshold

Once buyers have crossed the threshold, they should see a clean home. Flowers and fresh fruit on the tables are lovely touches.

Kill Clutter!

All the chaos of daily life must be tidied away, so there are no magazines scattered, toys left on the carpet, or dirty plates in the sink.

Music, Maestro?

We need to make a judgment about whether we play soft music during inspections. If the neighbourhood is super quiet, it may be advantageous for buyers to enjoy the peace. However, music will dissipate outside noise if you're on a noisy street or under a flight path.

A Little Touchy

Buyers use the sense of touch to judge the quality of wood cabinetry and countertops and the smoothness of drawers opening. This is a no-no in these Covid/flu days, but wipe everything down before buyers arrive. Dusty shelving and dirt-laden glass is a bad look.

Pet Topic

Remove evidence of your pets. Whilst they are undoubtedly cute, buyers associate animals with all sorts of sins and smells. So, put away the feeding bowl and scratching post, and place the dog kennel at the end of the garden. And, of course, take the dog with your when you leave for each inspection.

If you would like any further tips or specific advice about your selling situation, please don't hesitate to real out to your local Fletchers selling agent.