There is an art to making the most of your property ensuring that however dismal it may be outside, your home still looks attractive and enticing for viewings.  Most of the ideas are basic common sense but they often get forgotten or are deemed unimportant when in the midst of trying to sell or let.

Keeping your property tidy and neat for prospective buyers or tenants can be a real nuisance especially if you have a large family or young children, but the value in so doing, is great. Many people lack the imagination to understand how the rooms would look if they were organised and well arranged, hence it is one of the most important things you can do, and it’s free!

Prior to any appointments, especially on darker days that lack sunlight, put lights on in every room as this will give the impression of space.  Change any light bulbs that are not working so that prospective buyers or tenants can see the accommodation clearly and this will also avoid presenting a haphazard impression or suggestion that other items within in the property may not be operational either.

During the day open all curtains and blinds to let in any extra sunlight and for evening viewings close them to add to the comfy and snug ambience.

On winter days heat the house or flat at least an hour before a viewing. This will create a cosy atmosphere on entrance and proposed buyers or tenants will appreciate the gesture, note that the heating works well and feel more at home.  Additionally light any open or gas fires to make the property feel inviting and look attractive. Real flames always generate a feeling of homeliness.

If possible place a vase with fresh, colourful flowers in one or two of the rooms as they brighten a home and provide a Spring-time quality to a drab day.

Refrain from cooking anything that has a pungent or unpleasant odour as many people will only remember the smell.  On the other hand if you are baking bread, cake or the like these are appealing and soothing to the senses

As an absolute must, make sure that the house does not have an animal smell. Before an appointment, if you have pets or you have cooked an aromatic dish, try to open the doors and windows to freshen the home and where necessary gently spray delicate fragrance, light scented candles or have diffusers around the property. Be careful not to overdo the perfume as this may give the appearance of trying to cover up an underlying issue and can make prospective takers feel nauseous.

Remove pets from the main viewing areas. Many people do not appreciate your furry friends and can be scared or even allergic to them, so be mindful and take the animal either to a friendly neighbour or place it outside whilst the internal inspection in taking place and vice versa when showing the garden. If you don’t have an outside space then place the animal in one room removing it only when necessary to view that area.

Illuminate front paths and rear gardens, partly for safety when viewers are outside, but also to show the exterior areas to their best advantage. If you have a lovely garden why not make the most of it – lighting may also be perceived as an advantage from a security point of view.

Where there is a garden or terrace keep it well tended and clear any rubbish, debris or discarded items. These areas form important additional space and are seen as part of the overall condition. If possible plant any pots with seasonal flowers to enhance the environment.

If you have a family it is advisable to show the property when there are fewer people in the home or ensure that there is no excessive noise or disruption.  Frantic activity can be stressful to watch and make viewings uncomfortable.

Always be friendly and welcoming for appointments but allow people the space to walk around and think through how they would use the accommodation. If possible let your estate agent show the property and either go out or remain in one room during the tour. If there are questions that the agent can’t answer they will ask you for your assistance.

When a property feels loved proposed buyers and tenants have more confidence in the fabric of the structure and take comfort knowing that the building appears to have been cared for. Therefore the chance of serious interest is hugely increased and commitment is more likely.

I repeat an old adage that I have used for many years, which is as true today as it was when I began my career in residential agency – “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.

So make your first impression count!

Published in London Property Magazine February 2017