You’ve taken the exciting step of putting your house on the market, and now your first viewing is scheduled—what an exciting moment! The next phase is crucial: preparing your home for potential buyers. First impressions are everything, and a little effort behind the scenes can make all the difference in charming buyers and encouraging them to make an offer.
Knowing where to start and when to stop with preparations can be daunting. However, we’ve distilled our experience into a curated list of seven proven tips that will have buyers falling in love with your home in just 20 minutes…
1. Kerb Appeal
We always recommend starting your preparation with the first thing viewers will see: your outdoor space. Begin by giving the front garden some basic TLC—trim the hedges, move the bins out of sight, jet wash patios and driveways, and if needed, refresh the front door with a new coat of paint.
After tidying the entrance, focus on the back garden. Mow the lawn and add a few potted plants for a touch of colour. If you feel you can do more to enhance your outdoor space, take a look at our garden styling tips to add that extra ‘wow’ factor.
2. Convenience Is Key
On the day of the viewing, ensure your visitors have a convenient place to park their vehicle. This detail is often overlooked, but making their visit smooth and hassle-free sets a positive tone from the very beginning.
3. Revamp And Repair
During a viewing, potential buyers will likely open doors, inspect cupboards, turn on lights, and generally ensure everything is in proper working order. Therefore, it’s essential that all your furniture and décor look fantastic and function perfectly.
Attend to any necessary repairs and update any lacklustre décor – Fill in picture frame holes, cover marks on the walls, fix broken cupboards and doors, refresh the grout in the kitchen and bathroom, and replace any expired lightbulbs. These small touches can make a big difference.
4. Style The Space
When preparing your home, it’s crucial to showcase its best features in the most appealing way. Creating an aspirational lifestyle setup with a bit of styling can help you achieve this.
Start by dressing up the dining table with your finest serveware. Use strategically placed mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel brighter and more spacious. Add fresh towels to the bathroom and adorn the walls with your favourite artworks to create focal points. We’re big fans of styling a space to sell, and you can find even more tips here.
5. Create That Cosy, Lived-In Feel
Ensuring your home is spotless is a given, but to truly captivate potential buyers, you want to elevate not just its appearance, but its ambiance. Creating a warm, lived-in feel can make all the difference.
Introduce welcoming aromas with scented diffusers in each room, or if you enjoy baking, prepare a batch of freshly baked goods and let the delightful scent permeate your home.
If you have a fireplace, light it to give the living area a cosy feel. Turn on lamps and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. If the weather permits, open the windows to allow fresh air to flow through. Remove personal family photographs and replace them with fresh flowers to help visitors more easily envision themselves living in your home.
6. Take Pets Away For The Day
We understand that pets are cherished members of the family, but potential buyers might not share the same sentiment, and some may even be allergic. If possible, arrange for a neighbor or relative to look after your furry friend for the day. Before visitors arrive, air out the rooms and place a few diffusers to neutralize any pet odors.
7. Speak To Your Estate Agent
Knowing your audience is invaluable when preparing your home for viewings. Your estate agent will have gathered some background information on potential buyers and their specific preferences. If they’re looking for a fantastic garden or a large kitchen, you can focus your efforts on these areas. Rearrange furniture to highlight a room’s spaciousness or create a cozy seating area in the garden to showcase its appeal. Tailoring your preparations to what buyers are looking for can make a significant impact.
Since you know the area well, sharing insights with your estate agent about the best local features can be incredibly helpful. Highlight the proximity to favorite shops, top schools, peaceful countryside walks, and hidden gems that might not be well-known. This information can be shared with potential buyers during their viewing to enhance their experience.
If you have any questions about preparing for a house viewing or need general advice on marketing your home, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always here to help! Contact us by phone at 01702 411146 or email us at team@weaversestates.co.uk, and a member of our friendly team will get back to you promptly.
