On average, it takes about eight seconds for a buyer to decide whether or not they want to purchase your home, so there isn’t a second to waste. Here are our top tips on how to show your home in its best possible light:

Preparation

• Preparing your home for sale by neutralising and decluttering should have happened long before your first viewing. Take the time to make your home clean and tidy. Washing up piled in the sink will divert attention away from the space and draw focus to the negative.
• Smells can play an integral part. The clichés are baking bread and the smell of coffee, but they are homely smells which often evoke strong emotional reactions. The main thing when it comes to smells is to neutralise any bad odours. If you know there is a viewing booked, take your dog for a walk and save your fish and chips for another night.
• Fresh flowers can add a favourable scent while also introducing a fresh aesthetic to your home.
• Lighting has a big impact on the appearance of property. Rooms which are dark often feel smaller and more closed, so open all blinds and curtains to let as much natural light in as possible. If you don't receive much natural light, give the illusion of this by turning on lamps and ceiling lights.

Physical viewings

• It is commonly quoted that the best viewings are conducted by an estate agent alone, without the seller being present. They can be objective and are available to answer any questions that may arise.
• If you do want to be present, give people the space to view your home freely. House hunters may be put off by your presence.
• If you are conducting the viewing, lead them to the best room in the house to start with, to make the best possible impression.
• Do let them know that you are available for any questions they may have at the end and don’t rush them.
• Take some time to think about the questions you might need to answer. People viewing your home are likely to be interested in what it’s like to live there, as well as the facts. Questions about the local area, the neighbours, what it’s like as a family home and when you last replaced the boiler.

Virtual viewings

Most agents should now offer a virtual viewing service, enabling you or your agent to host viewings through video. However, this still requires the same level of attention to detail. 

• Open all doors in the home prior to filming. This will not only be inviting to the viewer, but it will also give the illusion of more space and will prevent anyone fumbling around with door knobs while filming takes place.
• Video can be sensitive to sounds, even if they're subtle in person. Turn off your washing machine, dishwasher and any other appliances before filming.
• Your agent should be able to guide you through the process, or even better, take care of it all for you. They're the experts after all, so ask questions and let them help stage your home for the viewing.