Pets - Odour is always a problem. Try to keep your animal and any bedding as clean as possible and ensure that you have removed any hairs. Air fresheners, fragrant flowers, coffee, home baked bread etc, could help to disguise the smell. If possible, have a family member or friend walk your dog at least 20 minutes before a prospective viewing (don’t forget that viewers can arrive early). This is done for two reasons, firstly, to give a chance to throw the windows open and get some coffee on and secondly, because not everyone is comfortable with strange dogs.
Children - It might be best to see whether a friend or family member can look after them. It lets you have complete concentration and protects against the old adage ‘from the mouth of babes’.
Neighbours - They are important to any potential purchaser and you will be expected to state if you have had any problems with them. However, if they are nice enough but just untidy or their kids play ‘out the front’, you might find it productive to have a polite chat with them and agree to give them notice of any viewings so they can work with you. Don’t forget they will have a vested interest in what their house could be worth.
Prepare for your viewing - Open all curtains and blinds to their full extent, people like light rooms. Open all internal doors. If you think a room, hallway, stairway or landing is a little dark, turn the lights on before they arrive.
Extras - Light fragrant candles, have fireplaces flickering away and turn the heating up in the winter months. Where possible make sure there’s somewhere for them to park their car and greet them with a smile and a handshake.
The Viewing - Encourage them to stay if they are showing interest. If you have a favourite room invite them to sit in it and have a coffee. We have always found that it’s nice to let them walk round a second time on their own (but obviously only if you trust them). Be prepared to answer questions on utility bills, neighbours and local schools. If you don’t have children ask a neighbour who does before hand. If it’s the usual British weather, leave the garden until last, as you don’t want it deposited through the house.
DIY - Any odd jobs that haven’t been finished, now is the time to do them. It may not seem like much to you, but a potential purchaser could be put off by the thought of them. If you simply don’t have the time we can probably recommend someone to you.
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