One of Britain’s biggest lenders, Halifax, recently reported that house prices rose 2.5% in the year to January, representing the strongest performance since the start of 2023, as potentially lower mortgage rates and eased inflationary pressure boosted confidence among buyers and sellers. What’s more, this was the fourth monthly price rise in a row.
At the same time, spring is typically one of the busiest times of year for the housing market, with improved weather and increased daylight hours whetting the appetite of both vendors and purchasers between March and May.
If people are moving to a home with a garden, for example, perhaps for the first time, moving in the spring means they’ll have the whole summer ahead to enjoy it. And if you have a young family, there’s plenty of time to settle in before the new school year.
So it’s perhaps not surprising that one major online property portal says that March is peak time for buyer enquiries, followed by April and May.
If you’re thinking of selling up this spring, you’ll no doubt already appreciate that viewings form a key part of the process. After all, it would be highly unusual to commit to a new home without seeing it first. So before putting your property on the market, consider how you will conduct the perfect viewing, to maximise your chances of bagging the best possible offers and a sale.
Indeed, it can be all too easy to overlook this stage of the process. Many would-be sellers just open their door and invite prospective buyers in to stroll around. Others might go into so much minute detail during a viewing that they risk overwhelming their viewers.
But the good news is there are things you can do as vendor to making viewings a more pleasant experience all round. Admittedly, if someone feels your home is not for them, there’s not much you can do. But good viewings give the best possible impression, encourage viewers to stay longer, and could just persuade someone who may otherwise be undecided.
And while there’s plenty of information around about decluttering, ensuring your home has ‘kerb’ appeal and making it look as bright and spacious as possible, there’s perhaps less discussion of how to conduct the viewing itself.
Here are some pointers:
- Keep calm and carry on!
It can be easy to become a little over-excited, especially if, even though you’re selling, you still love your home. But dial it down a bit, relax and keep calm. Allow your viewers to look around and ask questions. Don’t be like a pushy sales assistant; this will only turn potential purchasers away. After all, we’ve all been to shops where exactly that behaviour has sent us straight back out the door.
- Don’t say too much
In a similar vein, it’s never a good idea to say too much, either about yourself or the house our flat. It’s natural to chatter away if you’re feeling nervous, but keep the small talk to a minimum without being rude. Don’t try to be your viewers’ new best friend, or pump them with personal questions. Keep things professional and focused on the property. Equally, of course, there’s no need to mention any negative issues, especially those which are now resolved.
- Give people space
Give viewers enough time to absorb your home and decide whether it could potentially be for them. Show people around and then let them look around for a second time by themselves. After all, if they leave without remembering it, no offers will be coming your way. Equally, of course, give honest answers to anything you’re asked. It’s also worth thinking about what questions you may be asked, especially concerning the local area, and having some answers ready in advance. What would you want to ask if you were viewing the place for the first time?
- Plan the route
This may sound a little odd – after all, it’s hardly as if anyone is going to get lost! But you’ll want to showcase your home in the best possible light. So, for example, you’d ideally finish the ‘tour’ in its finest spot, whether that’s your nicest room or the one with the view. That will be the impression that your viewer will leave your home with.
Oakfield says
Oakfield Estate Agents has been selling homes in East Sussex since the 1990s. So we know a thing or two about good viewings. Of course, not each one will lead to an offer, but we know how sellers can give themselves the best possible chance of attracting interest in their home.
With offices across Bexhill, Eastbourne and Hastings, we’re ideally placed to sell your home anywhere in those areas. We’re also happy to conduct viewings for our buyers so they don’t have to. And because we’re not emotionally invested in a home, that can help keep viewings more objective, professional and focused on the property.
Give us a call today to discuss how we could help you get an attractive offer on your home. Check out our contact details here.