The truth is, buyers often make their minds up within the first few minutes of walking through the door. They're not just looking at the bricks and mortar – they're imagining what life would feel like living there.
The good news? You don't need to spend thousands of pounds to make a great impression. Here are 20 simple things you can do before every viewing.
1. Tidy the front of your home
First impressions really do count. Sweep the path, pull out any weeds, move the bins out of sight and make sure your front door is clean.
2. Open all the curtains and blinds
Natural light makes every room feel bigger, brighter and more welcoming.
3. Turn on lamps
If it's a gloomy day, don't rely on natural light alone. A few lamps switched on can instantly make your home feel warm and cosy.
4. Make every bed
A neatly made bed makes a bedroom feel calm, tidy and well looked after.
5. Clear your kitchen worktops
Buyers want to see the space, not the toaster, air fryer and pile of post! Keep just a couple of nice accessories out.
6. Give the bathroom a quick refresh
Fresh towels, clean mirrors and a sparkling sink make a huge difference.
7. Declutter
This doesn't mean removing all your personality, just putting away anything that's making the rooms feel busy.
8. Put the washing away
An overflowing laundry basket isn't what buyers want to see.
9. Hide pet items
We all love our pets, but bowls, litter trays and dog beds can be distracting during viewings.
10. Let fresh air in
Open the windows for a few minutes before people arrive. A fresh-smelling home always feels more inviting.
11. Empty the bins
Especially the kitchen bin!
12. Add some fresh flowers or greenery
You don't have to spend a fortune. A supermarket bunch of flowers or a healthy plant can brighten up a room.
13. Keep surfaces simple
Less really is more. Buyers want to notice your home, not lots of little ornaments.
14. Clean the windows
It sounds obvious, but clean windows let in so much more light.
15. Tidy the garden
Even if it's only a small outdoor space, give it a quick sweep and make sure it looks looked after.
16. Put away children's toys
You don't need to hide the fact you have children, just make sure toys aren't covering every floor!
17. Check every room
Walk through your house as if you've never seen it before. Is there anything you'd notice?
18. Turn the heating on if it's cold
Nobody enjoys walking into a freezing house.
19. Leave before the viewing
This one is really important. Buyers often feel more comfortable asking questions and taking their time when the owners aren't there.
20. Think like a buyer
Imagine you've just pulled up outside. Would you feel excited to walk through the front door? If there's anything you can improve in five minutes, it's probably worth doing.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for viewings doesn't have to be stressful. A little bit of effort beforehand can make a big difference to how buyers feel when they walk through the door.
At Demila Property Staging, I always say that buying a home is emotional. Yes, people are looking at room sizes and layouts, but they're also imagining Christmas mornings, family dinners, and where they'll relax after work. The easier you make it for buyers to picture themselves living there, the more likely they are to fall in love with your home.
If you're struggling to get viewings, or you're getting viewings but no offers, it might be worth looking at how your property is being presented. Sometimes a few styling changes are all it takes to help your home stand out.