When it comes to selling or letting your property, first impressions are everything. Viewers often make up their minds within the first few minutes of walking through the door. Whether you’re hoping to attract serious buyers or responsible tenants, taking the time to prepare your property properly can make all the difference. Below are the top 10 essential steps to help you make your home viewing-ready and leave a lasting impression that leads to offers.
1. Declutter Every Room
Start by removing unnecessary items from all rooms. This includes excess furniture, piles of paperwork, children’s toys, and anything that disrupts the flow or makes the space feel crowded. Decluttering allows potential buyers or tenants to appreciate the size and potential of each room without distractions. Aim for a clean, minimal look that highlights the best features of the property.
2. Deep Clean from Top to Bottom
A spotless property gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms, scrub tile grout, polish taps, and ensure all floors, windows, and surfaces are gleaming. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like behind doors, under furniture, and light switches. A clean home doesn’t just look better—it also smells fresher and feels more welcoming.
3. Neutralise and Depersonalise
While your décor might reflect your personality and taste, it’s important to create a neutral canvas for viewers. Repaint bold-coloured walls in soft, light shades like white, beige or grey. Remove personal items such as family photos, fridge magnets, or bold artwork. This helps potential buyers or tenants visualise themselves living in the space and makes it easier for them to form an emotional connection with the property.
4. Make Minor Repairs
Viewers will notice the little things like loose cupboard doors, chipped skirting boards, dripping taps, or squeaky floorboards. Taking care of small repairs can prevent viewers from questioning the overall maintenance of the home. Patch up paintwork, replace broken light bulbs, and ensure all fixtures and fittings are in working order.
5. Let in the Light
Light makes spaces feel larger and more inviting. Open all curtains and blinds fully before a viewing and switch on lights in darker rooms, even during the day. Clean all windows thoroughly to let in as much natural light as possible. Consider using mirrors to reflect light and brighten up smaller or darker areas of the home.
6. Freshen Up the Air
Smell is one of the first things people notice when they enter a home. Air out the property regularly, especially before viewings. Avoid strong-smelling foods on viewing days and eliminate pet or damp odours. Subtle air fresheners, scented candles or freshly brewed coffee can all help create a pleasant, homely environment without being overpowering.
7. Tidy Up the Exterior
The outside of your property is the first thing viewers will see, so kerb appeal is vital. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, clean the front door, polish the house number or doorbell, and remove any weeds or rubbish. If you have a driveway, make sure it’s clear and tidy. Even a few simple changes can make the entrance look more inviting and set a positive tone for the rest of the viewing.
8. Dress the Space
Styling your home can help showcase its lifestyle potential. Add finishing touches like cushions, throws, rugs, or fresh flowers. Make sure beds are neatly made, the dining table is set, and living areas feel cosy and functional. If you’re letting a furnished property, ensure furniture is arranged to maximise space and comfort. These touches help people imagine how they’d live in the space and can create an emotional connection.
9. Sort Out Storage
Storage space is a top priority for many buyers and tenants, so they are likely to look inside wardrobes, cupboards and under sinks. Keep these spaces neat and organised to show that the property has ample storage. Avoid cramming items into cupboards; it gives the impression that the home lacks storage and can make spaces feel smaller.
10. Choose the Right Atmosphere
Set the right mood for your viewings. In winter, make sure the heating is on so the house feels warm and cosy. In summer, open windows to keep rooms cool and airy. Soft background music can also help set a relaxed tone. A comfortable atmosphere encourages people to spend more time in the property and increases the chances of them picturing it as their future home.
The Spartan Advantage
At Spartan Property Estate Agents, we know that presentation plays a crucial role in securing the best sale or rental outcome. We offer expert advice, professional photography, 360° virtual tours, and hosted viewings as part of our sales and lettings packages. Whether you choose our Free, Basic, Advanced, or Traditional sales options, or one of our Lettings packages, we’ll help your property stand out from the competition.
For personalised guidance and a free valuation, contact us today on 0191 470 1815 or visit spartanproperty.co.uk. Let us help you make the perfect first impression.