England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
UK Housing Market
How to manage viewing when selling your home, according to property experts
Both buying and selling a home comes with a unique set of stresses, but what unifies the experiences is the fact that first impressions are everything, and it can be hard to come back from a bad first impression, especially in a fast moving property market.
To make the process easier and shed some light on where sellers may be going wrong, David Wilson Homes conducted a study of 1,000 UK homeowners to discover the nation’s home buying ‘icks’ that sellers are unknowingly committing every day during viewings..
David Wilson Homes internal property expert, Gavin Powell, Sales Director for David Wilson Homes Northwest, has also shared his industry expertise and insight on how to manage and conduct a successful house viewing.
"While it might seem obvious, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers can increase the likelihood of a potential sale. Creating a positive first impression is easily done with a smile and sets the tone for a pleasant viewing.
“Engage in friendly conversation and get to know your potential buyer. Show interest in what they’re looking for in a home, and what might have attracted them to your property.
“A welcoming and friendly demeanour can help create a positive environment that allows potential buyers to feel more at ease and confident in their decisions."
The biggest mistakes to avoid as a seller
Opening your home for viewings can be a stressful and intrusive experience. To give you the best chance of selling your home, David Wilson Homes conducted a study of UK homeowners to uncover the small things that have put them off during a viewing.
Potential buyers only get to see your home for a small window of time, and minor issues that might seem trivial could leave a lasting impression. 93% of homeowners are put off by easily rectified small issues.
How to manage property viewings
It’s not just details in your home that can deter buyers. Estate agents also play an important role in arranging and hosting viewings. Some buyers can be influenced by their experience with the agent.
-
1 in 4 homebuyers have been put off by viewing a home at the same time as others, so allow viewers their own time slot to increase your chance of selling.
-
1 in 5 homebuyers have been put off when the estate agent doesn’t know anything about the property, and a further 1 in 6 have been put off when the estate agent won’t leave them alone during the viewing. Using a trustworthy, experienced estate agent with knowledge of the property provides a comfortable experience for viewers.
-
1 in 7 homebuyers have been put off when the homeowner is present for their viewing. This can make viewers feel uncomfortable and rush to leave before taking a proper look. Arranging viewings when you are out of your home can put viewers at ease.
For the best viewing experiences:
-
Avoid scheduling appointments during busy times. For example, if you live near a school, avoid holding viewings during pick-up or drop-off times.
-
Book back-to-back appointments to make the property appear more in demand.
-
If you opt for an open house, Saturdays between 10:00 and 14:00 is the golden time for getting the most people through the door.
Gavin Powell, Sales Director
