Property Viewings: What to Expect and How to Attract Top Offers

Viewings are a critical part of the property buying process, so it’s worth sellers investing time and patience to get things right.

Viewings are a bit like a much-anticipated first date.

They give buyers the chance to see whether the photos and key details they’ve studied online live up to reality.

But it can be daunting to open your home to strangers in the hope that they like what they see – and follow up with an offer.

So here are some tips about what to expect and how to get the most out of viewings.

Remember, it’s about them, not you

Naturally, you’ll have a strong emotional attachment to your property. But try to step back and consider things from the buyers’ perspective. They’ll be looking for a clean, light blank slate where they can make their own mark. For this reason, neutralise the décor and remove personal photographs, trophies, children’s paintings and paperwork from view. You can proudly display these special mementoes at your next place.

Clean and declutter

Make sure your home is spotless for viewings (it sends a message that you’ve taken good care of the property over the years). At the start of the process, declutter and deep clean each room. Then keep them clean throughout the viewing process (even if you’re not usually the tidiest person). Keep muddy boots, bikes and scooters out of sight, and kitchen worktops clear. That way, if a last-minute viewing is arranged, you’re ready to go.

Make yourself scarce

Buyers like having breathing space to view a property in their own time and without the owner watching their every move. For this reason, it’s usually best to leave viewings to the agent. They’ll be skilled at highlighting the property’s best features and assessing whether the buyer is in a genuine position to move. Buyers also tend to speak more openly to the agent.

Your Saturdays will be very busy

In the property world, Saturday is by far the most popular day for viewings. Recent research has revealed* that 11am on a Saturday is the busiest hour of the week for viewings, followed by 10am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. 4pm on a Friday is the next busiest slot. That doesn’t mean you won’t have viewings at other times too, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. If you have small children or a dog, make arrangements to take them out on Saturdays (the agent can handle the viewings). It will be less stressful for everyone.

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*Source: Alto.