Before the first viewing have a walk round each room and think of what features you will wish to bring to the viewer’s attention when conducting the tour. If you have a very dull or uninteresting room that may be a good time to talk about the other good points of the property generally - the school catchment area - the good local shops, the excellent neighbours - the bus service - the community spirit.

• Remove clutter from the hall way including coat stands, bikes, toys and wellies

• Use lighting and prints to make the best use of light and create a sense of space. Uplighters create diffused lighting to good effect. You can create an impression of space in any room by improving the lighting; painting the walls in a bright neutral colour, and putting up a large scale landscape print and /or a large mirror

• Clear all signs of domesticity: washing up liquid, basin, draining board and any clutter and gadgets from the kitchen - keep your work surfaces clear

• Switch on table lamps, unit lights and cooker hood lights at all viewing times - even in daytime

• Switch on any coal effect fires

• Fresh Flowers brighten any room. A basket of fresh fruit also works

• The smell of a good quality furniture polish gives a better impression than air freshener

• If you have squeaky floorboards try putting baby powder in the joints

What Next

Don’t get carried away and make misrepresentative statements, although you have no obligation to draw any bad points to the viewer's attention. That is the job of the purchaser’s surveyor. You must answer any direct questions truthfully and accurately but you do not have to volunteer any information about any negative aspects

Open the door of each room and allow the viewer to walk in. You should stand at the door and describe the features of the room. If you go in to the room with the viewer the room will appear smaller. Never ever go in to a room and stand in the window. Keep an informal Visitor’s Record to enable you to keep a track of who’s who when you receive an offer

Engaging In Conversation

Never talk money with the viewer. We are professional negotiators with many years experience in property sales and you may complicate the negotiations if you commit yourself to a deal without reference to the big picture. Bear in mind it is only in the purchaser’s interest to do a deal directly - never in your interest!

If asked what figure you have in mind, say only that your solicitors have recommended this price structure but that it is for the prospective purchaser to submit any offer in writing and you will consider it with your Solicitor. Any Offer not in writing is not worth the paper it's not written