selling properties: hampstead, north west london
Showing Your Home
In preparing to show your home, use the same techniques that builders use to display their show homes. Make your home appear as light, cheerful and tranquil as possible.
To get ready for a viewing, you should:
- Open curtains
- Light lamps;
- Light your fireplace;
- Set the dining room or kitchen table if you have particularly nice linen or china
- Put fresh towels in the bathroom; and then
When the viewer arrives:
Make the viewer feel at home, and remember this could end up being their home, so the more relaxed they feel, the more they will like the surroundings.
Many buyers will buy into the feel of the property and you, the vendor, will play a part in that! We do not suggest that you dress up for the occasion; however, a smart appearance will help to convey the right image.
Tips for Showing Property
People will often judge your property on first impressions - so make them count:
- A nicely kept front garden and a well looked after front door make a good first impression
- Be tidy: less clutter creates a feeling of more space
- Have the carpets cleaned
- Wash old paintwork with soda soap
- Eradicate strong food or pet smells which can be off-putting. Visitors notice fresh smells, homely smells like coffee or bread
- Make sure the kitchen and its appliances and the bathroom are clean
- Cheer up tiles with a tile grout whitener
- Clear the garage and put your car outside
- Put away all valuables safely - just in case
- Mirrors can help to make rooms look larger
- Clean the loft or attic space
Keep a file of information for potential buyers on the upkeep of the property and on the local amenities, including:
- Utility bills
- Recent surveys
- Any remaining work guarantees such as those for damp proofing, woodworm, roofs and other maintenance.
- Land boundary information
- Local newspapers and school and health information
- Local information on things such as shopping, leisure activities and days out near the area.
- The history of the house
- Anything else your surveyor or estate agent may suggest
