From Listing to Leaving: Navigating Your Home Sale Through Six Critical Steps: Step 2 Navigating Property Viewings Successfully:

As your home enters the market, it's crucial to ensure it's well-prepared for potential buyers. Collaborating with your real estate agent to schedule viewings is a key step. Whether you opt for a full-service agent who conducts accompanied viewings or choose to host the viewings yourself, establishing clear communication about your availability will prevent scheduling conflicts, such as during inconvenient times like children's dinner hours. Strive to maintain flexibility and keep your home in a state of readiness to facilitate even last-minute visits.

Opting for Accompanied Viewings:

Leaving the agent to showcase your property is often the simplest approach. Buyers tend to feel more at ease exploring the property without the owner present, enabling open discussions with the agent. If the agent has a set of keys, your daily routine need not be disrupted.

Should you be home during a viewing, a brief greeting is courteous before allowing the agent and potential buyer space to tour the property independently. It's best to refrain from hovering or interjecting, as this could detract from the agent’s efforts. After the viewing, a simple thank you to the visitors suffices, leaving any follow-up questions or feedback for the agent to handle.

Hosting Direct Viewings:

If you're conducting viewings personally, consider the following tips for a smooth experience:

• Preparation is Key: Being ready for the viewer’s arrival sets a positive tone.

• Dress Appropriately: While formal attire isn't necessary, appearing neat and prepared reflects positively on your property.

• Welcome with a Smile: A friendly greeting can ease the tension for both parties.

• Moderate Your Conversation: Over-talking can be off-putting. Engaging the buyer with questions rather than dominating the conversation can be more effective.

• Maintain Professionalism: Avoid sharing personal reasons for selling. Keeping the conversation focused on the property ensures professionalism.

• Channel Communication Through Your Agent: If represented by an agent, direct any follow-up inquiries through them to maintain a professional negotiation environment.

• Detach Emotionally: Remember, feedback is not personal. An agent’s role includes managing emotional detachment, especially if a viewer doesn't share your enthusiasm for the property.

Remember, while your property is on the market, the goal is to present it as a potential new home for buyers, rather than your personal living space. This may require temporary adjustments, such as decluttering and maintaining a higher level of tidiness than usual, but these efforts are instrumental in achieving a successful sale.

Written by Veera Josey, 14th February 2024