How to make the most of house viewings

Michael Maloco, Senior Partner at Maloco + Associates, offers advice on how to make the most from viewings when you are selling your home.

You’ve got this! You’ve hoovered and dusted, cleaned, decluttered and accessorised. Your viewers are booked. You’ve rehearsed what to say and what not to say, what to “big-up” and what to play down. This is no time to fluff your lines. But just how do you get the best results from your viewings?

Plan the viewing in advance and follow COVID-19 guidance

The answer is to plan the viewing in advance. First things first, you should read up on the Scottish Government guidance on house viewings during COVID-19 – your selling agent can advise you on this as well.

If you are conducting the viewing rather than your agent, you will need to ensure you and the viewers adhere to the relevant social distancing and hygiene guidance to keep everyone safe.

Virtual property viewings

The Scottish Government is also advising people to view properties virtually in the first instance, so you should speak to your agent about providing virtual viewings.

Where to start a viewing

Next, decide where in your house you want to start the viewing. I’d always advise the best downstairs room to create the best first impression.

Upstairs, it’s sometimes a good idea to show the bedrooms in reverse order, so not only does the master bedroom feel bigger by comparison, but you also end the guided house tour on a high note. Then take them out into the garden but come back in the same door you went out of.

How to end a property viewing

Don’t end the appointment outside in the garden as many do. What you really want your viewers to do is to have another look around the house alone. This will give them the chance to talk to one another in private, and ask their partner... “What do you think?”

Instead, go back into the best room downstairs, and ask: “Would you like to look around again by yourselves?” Very few people will refuse this offer, and you could add “I’ll be waiting in the kitchen when you’re done but don’t hurry” so they know they can take their time.

Remember, give your viewers time and space to fall in love with your home, just as you once did, and it could be job done.

Maloco + Associates

Find out more about Maloco + Associates by calling the team on 01383 629720.

ESPC magazine

This article appeared in the April 2021 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.