You want a potential buyer to get the right feeling from the very start. If your house looks unloved, it’s unlikely that even those with imagination will see past the clutter and the grime.

After all, you’re trying to sell your property and move on, so of course you want people to like your house and put an offer in. This will help you move forward more quickly and that’s what you want, particularly if you have seen a new house you want to be in for the next chapter of your life.

So, what can you do?

Here are our seven tips for preparing your home for a viewing

1. De-clutter

There is nothing worse than going to show people around a house, only to open the front door and find the property is full of clutter. Okay, it might be family favourite toys and pictures and mementoes, or it might be piles of rubbish, but you must realise that prospective buyers want to see the house. They’re not interested in your knick-knacks! Seeing piles of bits and bobs will simply put them in the wrong frame of mind.

Tip: As you will be moving anyway, take the opportunity to box things up and store them away, or get rid of unwanted items. If you’re downsizing, it’s a perfect time to get rid of the clutter.

2. Pet Hates

You love your cat or your dog. In fact, they’re your best friend. That’s lovely, of course it is, but prospective buyers coming to look around your house may not like pets or could be allergic to them. It sounds harsh, but it is best if you can get a friend or a neighbour to look after your pet for an hour or two.

Tip: Give your house a good clean and light a scented candle before a visit by a prospective buyer. It’ll help get rid of the smell of a cat or dog.

3. Centre on the Garden

If you’ve got a front garden, tidy it up and make sure the grass is cut or the hedge has been given a trim. First impressions matter so take the time and effort to get it right. If you have children, tidy away all their toys and really show your garden off.

Tip: Set the scene; if it’s nice and sunny, put a table and chairs outside so that the garden looks inviting.

4. Smells of the Season

Because you’re in your home day in day out, you may be blind to the smells of your house. Using diffusers and scented candles sensibly will help make it smell nice for a potential buyer.

Tip: Think about the seasons. If it’s winter, choose a fragrance that ties in with the time of year. Try spiced fruits or cinnamon in Winter perhaps and floral fragrances during the Spring .

5. Bathroom Routine

Your bathroom is absolutely key to making a good impression. There’s nothing worse than a dirty, smelly bathroom for making people think that a house is unloved.

Tip: Present your bathroom well with folded towels and some flowers placed on the windowsill in a little vase. Store all the soaps, gels and toiletries away in cupboards.

6. Space Invaders

Space is often at a premium, so help the potential buyer realise just how much they will be getting if they purchase your property.

Is your furniture making a room look small?

Are there too many toys or books lying around?

Tip: Take a moment to look at a room and put yourself in the shoes of the buyer. If you think a room looks too busy, it might be time to rearrange the chairs or bookshelves.

7. Stage it Right

Staging isn’t just for theatre. Make a lasting impression by making your house look good. Put fruit in a bowl, flowers in vases, place a home decor magazine on a side table. Understand  that you have to give your home a chance, so make it look great.

Tip: If you need inspiration, go and have a look at a homeware, furniture or home decoration shop as they are experts when it comes to staging room scenes.

We have years of property experience. So, if you need some advice, come and get it from us.