Viewings are one of the most important parts of the selling process. First impressions count, and the way your home is presented - and shown - can directly influence the level of interest and ultimately the price achieved.  

Making the right first impression is crucial to ensure prospective buyers have a positive experience. Our experience shows that a well-presented home not only sells faster, but often for a better price.  

Before viewings begin, thorough decluttering and depersonalising can make a significant difference. Too much furniture can make rooms feel smaller, and excessive personal items can make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Cleanliness is essential, and strong smells - even pleasant ones like coffee or air freshener - are not to everyone’s taste. A fresh, well-aired home is always best. Gardens, entrances and communal areas should also be well presented, as these are often the first spaces buyers see.  

 When showing your home, think carefully about the route you take viewers around. Start with one of the most impressive rooms to create a strong first impression, and finish on a high point as well. Put lights and lamps on before viewers arrive so the property feels bright and welcoming from the outset. Over time, you will naturally get into a routine and develop a flow to showing your home. It becomes easier, more relaxed, and more confident with each viewing.  

You should feel free to talk positively about the local area as well. Buyers are not just purchasing a property; they are buying into a lifestyle. Mention nearby amenities, schools, parks, transport links, restaurants, or anything you particularly enjoy about living there. Sharing your genuine experience of the neighbourhood can really help buyers picture themselves settling in.  

 If you are conducting your own viewings, it’s important to remember your role. You are there to show the property and highlight its features, not to negotiate. You have appointed an estate agent for a reason. We handle all negotiations on your behalf, and you pay us to manage that process professionally and strategically.  

If a viewer starts discussing price, potential offers, or your circumstances, politely direct them back to us. Avoid entering into detailed conversations that could influence negotiations, even unintentionally. Comments about how quickly you need to move, what price you would accept, or your future plans can all affect your negotiating position. A simple response such as, “Please speak to our agent about that,” keeps everything protected and professional.  

 After every viewing, we follow up with viewers within a few hours or by the next working day at the latest. This is their opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. It also allows us to handle any direct or detailed questioning and to gauge their level of interest. That follow-up conversation is often where negotiations begin to take shape, and it’s important that it’s managed carefully.  

 Sellers can choose to be as hands-on or as hands-off as they like when it comes to viewings. Some homeowners enjoy showing buyers around and speaking positively about the area and lifestyle. Others prefer a little distance from potential purchasers. There is no right or wrong approach. For those who would rather not conduct viewings themselves, we offer professional accompanied viewings. We employ our viewing agents directly, ensuring they understand both your property and our standards of service.  

 Whether you choose to show your own home or have us accompany viewings, the aim is the same: create a welcoming environment, generate strong interest, and allow us to convert that interest into the best possible offer for you.