Getting Ready for Viewings

It takes an average of 10 to 15 viewings before a property is sold, (although this may vary depending on the state of the local property market), with the favorite viewing day being Saturday.

10 Things You Should Do Before a Viewing

1. Make up the beds, empty waste bins and put down toilet seats
2. Do a quick clean up, vacuum or sweep floors
3. Make sure that the kitchen and bathrooms are spotless
4. Tidy away clutter (newspapers, mail, toys, etc)
5. Make sure that the house smells fresh and pleasant
6. Fluff up cushions and pillows
7. Put fresh flowers in the living room and a bowl of fruit in the dining room or kitchen
8. Light a fire if it's winter or anytime when it's cold, or make sure the central heating is on
9. Brighten rooms by drawing back drapes
10. Turn on lamps to brighten rooms and enhance dark corners

Do bear in mind that not everybody will love your pets as much as you do - in fact, they will put off a certain proportion of potential buyers - so keep any animals out of the way when showing your house, and eliminate any evidence of pet hair or odors that they might leave behind.

When selling to a couple, it's often the woman who decides what to buy, so concentrate your selling efforts on the female partner! Make sure you're as friendly and open as you can - people are much more likely to make an offer if they like you and think you will be a good person to do business with.