Deciding to buy or rent a house is an incredibly emotional decision. Even though people walk into house viewings armed with practical checklists, choice is often dictated by where they feel “at home”. So, how do you create this feeling for your house viewers? Here are some top tips for creating good vibes in your house showing.
Make a great first impression
It’s natural to think that a viewer’s idea of a house starts when they walk through the front door, but it actually starts way before that. The first thing viewers will see is the outside of your home; the front door, the pathway, the front garden if you have one. Make sure all these elements are clean and tidy. Small touches like keeping the bins out of sight and adding some potted flowers will help the viewer to feel positive about your house before they’ve even stepped through the front door.
Clean and bright
You never know which nook or cranny your viewer will be interested in examining so make sure you’ve cleaned every inch of the house. This isn’t the time to stuff things in a cupboard – ideally you should give the house a deep clean. One area that is often overlooked when cleaning is the windows. However, clean windows will allow extra light into the property and make everything look better. You should also adjust the lighting so that the rooms feel bright and welcoming, without being overwhelming. Lamps and candles are great for creating a soft, warm light that feels inviting.
Show them their home, not yours
When viewing a house, a buyer needs to be able to imagine themselves owning the space. Viewers will get excited about a property when they can see themselves living in it, not the current owner. Personal items and anything that clutters the space should be removed. This will make the house appear less personal, as well as allowing viewers to see architectural features more clearly.
Appeal to the senses
Even though it’s called a “viewing”, potential buyers will explore a house with all their senses. Soft furnishings should be cleaned to remove any odour, and a scented candle or oil diffuser ready to go. Areas like beds and couches should be dressed with clean, fluffy pillows and blankets to create a feeling of cosiness. Soft furnishing like these will encourage viewers to sit down and look at the room from different angles. If you have a fireplace, lighting it will create a sense of warmth and relaxation.
The difference between a house and a home is how it feels when you’re there. By following these top tips, you’ll create positive vibes that viewers won’t be able to resist. House showings are about giving potential buyers the opportunity to see your house as their own. When you create the right vibe, they’ll fall in love with the space and know that they’ve found their new home.