Hosting a viewing checklist

How to prepare your home

You only have one chance to make a first impression — and that “wow” factor can make a huge difference to potential buyers and help you strike the right mood. While a lot of viewings are moving online, especially right now, many people still want to view a home in person if they’re really interested. Either way, you want your home to look its best. Here is a house viewing checklist to help make you the ultimate host: 

Tidy up

If you do nothing else, tidy. Even if you have a huge home, clutter can make it feel claustrophobic. Tidying will give a sense of space and calm. 

Take care of the laundry

Dirty laundry isn’t just a metaphor. It’s easy to forget those odd socks on the radiator, but they can be an instant turn-off to potential buyers. We all can be messy at times, but your viewers deserve a clean palate. 

Clean those windows

When viewing a home, most people go straight to check out the views, so make sure your windows are ready for inspection and smudge-free.

Remove any pet smells

If you have a pet, there’s a good chance you’ve gotten used to their mess and their smells — but your potential buyers might not be as relaxed. Cleaning up any pet mess or smells is a must before viewings.  

Clean up the outdoor space

Outdoor space matters more than you think. Firstly, you need to think about kerb appeal — what do buyers see as they pull up to your home? Then you need to think about any garden space you might have. Both should be neat and tidy. 

 57% of Strike buyers say a messy garden would put them off making an offer — so make the most of your outdoor space. 

Get your wardrobes prepared

One survey found that 80% of viewers look inside large storage spaces. So if you were planning on just throwing everything in the wardrobe, better make sure it doesn’t fall out again when they open the door. 

Remove any distractions

If you like to have the TV on in the background or if you have loud music playing, it’s best to turn those off for viewings. Some light background music can help to ease any awkward silences, but neutral is best. As much as you may love head-banging to some heavy metal, the buyers need to feel like this is their space — or that it might be one day. 

Check the temperature

If it’s summer,  having some fresh air coming in through the windows can be a lovely touch — but in the winter, make sure your home is warm and cosy. Try to keep things as welcoming as possible. 

Set the mood

Finally, use small touches to set the mood. A bowl of chocolates, a scented candle — anything that’s going to make viewers feel relaxed and at home can make a big difference. And let’s be honest, what situation isn’t improved 10,000% by a generous biscuit selection? (If you want to go all out, 35% of Brits said that the smell of fresh bread would be a selling point — but we’re sure biscuits will do the trick.)

How to show guests around

Online viewings work a little differently, but you should be prepared to host people in-person as well. Try to let the guests take the lead — let them enter a room first and take it in. Make sure to highlight any period features or special additions, like an incredible walk-in wardrobe or a rainfall shower. 

You should try to find a route that feels easy, but do your best to start and finish in some of your loveliest spaces. For example, if you have a great kitchen you may want to welcome them there and then leave them in your garden to talk amongst themselves. If your master bedroom is a showstopper, give them more time to look around in there. Give them some time to wander on their own and a chance to talk privately. 

You know your home best, so try to make its strongest features a focal point. 

Questions you might be asked

When you’re showing your home off, expect viewers to have a few questions. Some will be more chatty than others and some might stay for much longer than others. That’s OK — everyone has their own style.

When it comes to the home itself, you’ll likely be asked about the condition and age of different appliances and structural elements. You may be asked about: 

• Plumbing

• The boiler

• Windows

• White goods

• The electrics 

• The roof 

• Potential To extend

• The energy use and green credentials

• Any restrictive covenants

• Flood risks

• What you're taking with you

You also need to answer questions about the local area — even if they don’t apply to you. You might not have kids or commute, but you should brush up on your street knowledge. 

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, here are the likely topics you’ll need to cover: 

Most people want to feel like they’re part of a community, so you want to show why this is a great community for them to choose. 

If there’s a really great cycle path, mention it. If you know the best ice cream shop in town, bring it up. Those little personal touches are what make you such a great host for your home viewings.