A Potential buyer is no different to you when you are looking for a new home. If the house is tidy, well kept and clean your buyers like you will receive a better first impression. A tired and lived in look does not strike a good first impression.
It is advisable to have available for inspection any documents you may have such as:
- Council Tax bill (to prove council tax banding)
- Copies of planning permission and building regulations (if appropriate) for any works carried out
- Copy of electrical Part P compliance certificate for any electrical works carried out
- Receipts and service maintenance certificate for the central heating boiler
- Copies of receipts / warrantee and guarantees for works carried out
As a note to your own security: It is better to have this information ready in case it is asked for. It is not wise to leave a potential buyer waiting alone while you look for such information. Be prepared.
Make sure all sinks, toilets and drains flow and clear properly. A simple test to check if you keep up to date with your general maintenance is to run a tap to see if the drain clears. A slow sink waste is a clear signal to a buyer that general maintenance may not be your top priority.
Putting on the coffee percolator to present a comforting smell in the property is a myth. Our suggestion is that a clean, well maintained and decorated house is the key indicator from the buyer’s point of view. Presentation of the kitchen and bathroom are key areas to take particular attention.
Check with your content insurance company that you are covered to let unknown persons into your home for the purposes of sale. Some insurance companies may not pay out if items are stolen because you invited persons into your property.
Viewing Your Property:Above everything else that is important about selling your property; is your personal safety. Your personal safety should be your prior importance.
Safety tips:
- Never make viewing appointments late at night
- Never make appointments / arrangements for buyers to visit when you are on your alone. This applies to both single male and female clients
- Take the name and address of the persons who intends to view your property
- Never leave valuables on view to the property viewers
- Never let none pre announced callers into your property
- Never allow potential buyers to walk around your property alone
- Don’t give out unnecessary information over the phone.
- If possible always take a note of the registration number of the car that the potential client arrives in. If in the event something does go wrong, the information can be past to the police and may be helpful for further investigation.
Receiving the Viewer: Before allowing the viewer into your property, it is recommended that you check that their ID is the same the ID offered over the telephone, e-mail etc.
On receiving the viewer, be calm and polite. Smile, you are more likely to obtain a successful sale if you are seen to be relaxed and comfortable.
Always accompany the viewer around the property. Keep the viewers together at all times. Other than keeping the viewing under your control, you are also available to provide any information needed. However, we recommend that your never volunteer information, simply be informative and provide direct answers to questions when asked.
Agreeing the Selling Price: It’s human nature to want to pay a lower price; therefore before you receive your first viewer it is essential for you to understand in your own mind what your lowest selling price. Don’t be pushed / pressured by the viewer / buyer into agreeing a lower price on the spot. If you are not sure about your position simply take the buyers telephone number and / or e-mail address so that you can contact them later. You are not under any obligation to sell on the spot.
