Consult Your Agent for Expert Advice

You might already have ideas on how to showcase your home, but it’s always beneficial to get your agent’s perspective. They interact with potential buyers daily and can offer valuable insights you may not have considered.

The best agents often either have, or collaborate with, stylists who work alongside professional photographers to present your home in its best light. Remember, those marketing photos play a crucial role in attracting viewings, so keeping your home looking as appealing as it does in the brochure is essential.

Even with everything looking spick and span, there are always those last-minute touches needed before a viewing. To help you out, here’s a handy checklist of six straightforward steps to ensure your home is ready to impress potential buyers:

1. Create a Welcoming First Impression

First impressions matter immensely! Consider how your home appears as buyers approach. One often-overlooked detail is the ‘For Sale’ board—make sure it’s clean and straight. If it’s damaged, inform your agent right away so they can arrange for a replacement.

Ensure there’s ample parking available for visitors, even if it means moving your own car just before the viewing. Clear the path to the front door, tidy up the garden, and add some cheerful potted plants at the entrance. Don’t forget to give the front door a good wipe down, clean the handle and letterbox, and check that any outdoor lights are functioning properly.

2. Keep Your Home Sparkling Clean

Once your home is on the market, try to shift your mindset: it’s no longer just ‘your’ space. You might be accustomed to leaving projects scattered about or having toys within reach, but buyers often request viewings on short notice. Keeping each room tidy will save you from frantic last-minute cleaning.

If you can embrace a clutter-free lifestyle while staying on top of housework, all you’ll need to do before potential buyers arrive is run the vacuum and pop any dirty dishes in the dishwasher!

3. Ensure Your Bathrooms Are Fresh and Inviting

For bathrooms and toilets, remember two key words: ‘clean’ and ‘fresh’. If you maintain a sparkling bathroom daily, you’ll only need to do three quick tasks before a viewing:

1.      Drop some scented disinfectant into the toilet or spray a light air freshener.

2.      Ensure the toilet lid is closed.

3.      Put out fresh towels.

Tip: Keep a set of clean towels specifically for viewings so you can quickly swap them out before guests arrive!

4. Add Stylish Touches

When selling your home, you’re also selling a lifestyle. Consider small touches that create an inviting atmosphere and encourage buyers to envision themselves living there. Candles, fresh flowers, glossy magazines, and attractive soft furnishings work wonders in living areas and bedrooms. In the kitchen, a fruit bowl or some fresh herbs can add vibrancy.

Use your marketing photos as inspiration and keep these stylish accessories handy for quick adjustments before viewings.

5. The Power of Fresh Baking

It may sound like a cliché, but the aroma of fresh baking truly captivates buyers! Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and can evoke strong emotions. The scent of freshly baked bread or cake might remind someone of joyful childhood moments, while hints of coconut could transport them back to holiday bliss.

Filling your home with familiar scents can create positive associations that linger in buyers' minds long after they leave—just remember that subtlety is key!

6. Manage Pet Presence

While pets are beloved family members, not everyone shares that sentiment—and some may even have allergies. Ideally, take your pet out during viewings; if that’s not feasible, try containing them in one room along with their belongings.

If relocating your pet proves challenging, consider asking your agent to inform prospective buyers about their presence so any concerns can be addressed beforehand.

At Fraser Reeves, we’re here to support you every step of the way! If you have any questions about preparing for viewings or need more tips on making a fantastic first impression on buyers, don’t hesitate to contact us at 01925 222555 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We look forward to hearing from you!