Not so long ago, the housing market was sufficiently vibrant that all it took for prospective buyers to offer you the full asking price was to pop a ‘For Sale’ sign in the front garden. These days, that’s just not going to happen. Potential purchasers are likely to want at least one, and possibly multiple, house viewings of your home before they make up their mind, and you want to make the best impression on what buyers see.
First impressions are crucial during a house viewing, as they can significantly influence a buyer’s emotional response and decision to proceed further.
Here are a few ways to prepare your home for a viewing.
How to Prepare Your Home for The Best First Impressions
Selling your home is a big step, and making the right first impression can make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential buyers. Many people decide whether a property feels right for them within moments of a viewing, so it’s essential to prepare your home carefully.
When you can ensure your home looks its best, it stands out from the competition. Whether you’re putting your home on the market for the first time or looking to refresh your approach, taking the time to prepare your home for viewings will help you get the best possible results.
Exterior Preparation for Kerb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so creating a strong kerb appeal is crucial.
Start by tidying up the garden, mowing the lawn, and adding some potted plants or fresh flowers to give a welcoming touch. Repainting the front door and making sure it’s clean and inviting can make a big impact.
Check that the path to your home is clear and that your ‘For Sale’ sign is straight and easy to read. Clean the windows and trim any bushes or trees that might block natural light from entering the home.
Make sure all outside lights are working, and consider adding a new doormat to create a fresh, inviting entrance. These simple steps can help your home stand out in the market and encourage more buyers to book a viewing.
Entrance and Hallway
The entrance and hallway set the tone for the rest of your home, so it’s important to make sure this area is neat and tidy. Put away shoes, coats, and any personal items to create a clutter-free space. Adding fresh flowers or a tasteful piece of art can help make the area feel welcoming and stylish.
Make sure the hallway is well-lit, and take the time to deep clean the floors and doors, removing any marks or scuffs. A clean, fresh-smelling entrance will help buyers feel at home as soon as they step inside, making a positive first impression that lasts throughout the viewing.
Get Rid of Clutter
We’re not suggesting you strip everything down to the bare boards: focus on decluttering rooms and spaces to prepare for viewing. Decluttering helps make the space more inviting for buyers—keep enough stuff for your house to look lived in, but put the rest into a self-storage facility.
Clean Nooks, Crannies, Cupboards and Closets
There’s a reason we mentioned a storage facility above. Buyers will want to find ample storage space when viewing your home.
While you might prefer to stuff everything into wardrobes, cubby holes, or that cupboard under the stairs, buyers will want to see that available space, so keep them free of obstruction and look as large as possible.
As a seller, you should consider how buyers will perceive the storage areas. Many buyers have found that well-organised storage spaces make a home much more appealing. Try different storage solutions to maximise space and create a tidy impression.
Top tip: Keep all storage areas organised and clutter-free to help buyers imagine their own belongings fitting in easily.
Let There Be Light
Good lighting is essential for making your home look its best during viewings. Make sure all windows are clean and sparkling: all curtains drawn back and internal doors left open to allow the passage of natural light.
Proper lighting really makes rooms look larger and more inviting, helping to create a positive first impression. Even small changes in lighting, like switching to brighter bulbs or adding a lamp, can improve the appearance of your home.
For evening and night-time viewings, make sure your light bulbs are powerful enough for people to see everything they need to.
Know How Your House Works
Be prepared to show viewers key features such as the alarm system, thermostat, air-conditioning, and other electronic conveniences. Consider giving a demonstration of how these systems work to help viewers appreciate the home’s functionality. Before the viewing, try out all features to ensure they operate properly.
Prepare the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of any family home, so you need to make it look inviting, however, it should also be spotless – nothing puts people off more than an unemptied bin, or a sink full of dirty dishes.
Cleaning the kitchen thoroughly is essential, as a sparkling kitchen creates a good first impression on potential buyers. Buyers often imagine living in the kitchen, picturing themselves cooking, dining, and spending time with family.
A well-presented kitchen is a key feature in many homes and is considered one of the most important rooms in the house.
If you’re preparing your home for viewing and need somewhere to store much of your belongings following a declutter, be sure to contact MIGHTY Self Storage, the premier provider of self-storage in Leicester. We offer a range of storage options to all our customers, so get in touch for your free quote.
Final Checks For Viewing Day
On the day of the viewing, take a few minutes to do a final check and ensure your home is looking its best. Walk through each room to make sure everything is tidy and in its place.
Check that all lights are working and the temperature is comfortable for visitors. If you have pets, make sure litter trays and pet areas are clean and out of sight.
Consider creating a welcoming atmosphere with a subtle scent, like freshly baked bread or cookies, but don’t overdo it. Fluff up cushions, straighten rugs, and make sure every space looks inviting. By taking these extra steps, you can present your home in the best possible way and make a great impression on potential buyers.
Feedback and Follow-up After House Viewing
After each viewing, it’s important to get feedback from potential buyers to understand what they liked and what could be improved. Your estate agent can help gather honest opinions, or you can reach out directly if appropriate.
Use this feedback to make any necessary changes to your home, whether it’s adjusting the decor, rearranging furniture, or addressing any concerns buyers may have raised. Taking the time to listen and make improvements can help you sell your home more quickly and for a better price.
Stay positive and proactive throughout the selling process, and remember that every bit of feedback brings you one step closer to finding the right buyer for your home.
Declutter Your Home To Impress Buyers With MIGHTY Self Storage
The secret to standing out in today’s market isn’t just fresh paint or flowers; it’s also space. Decluttering helps buyers envision themselves living in your home, but that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your belongings.
With MIGHTY Self Storage in Leicester, you can safely store furniture, personal items, and excess clutter out of sight, giving your home the open, spacious feel that sells. Our range of clean and secure units is perfect for storing as little or as much as you need.
Our facility is fully alarmed and monitored 24/7, with standard insurance for peace of mind. Additionally, our competitive prices, flexible rentals, and 7-day access have made us Leicester’s most trusted storage provider for over 50 years.
Whether you’re staging your home or between moves, MIGHTY Self Storage is your smart solution to a clutter-free, show-ready home.
Call us on 0116 365 3001 to get a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to completely empty my home for viewings?
No, but it should be clutter-free and tidy. Leave enough furniture and decor to showcase functionality and warmth, while removing excess items to create space.
Should I be present during house viewings?
It’s usually best not to be there. Let your estate agent handle the viewing. Buyers feel more comfortable asking questions and imagining themselves in the space.
How can I make small rooms appear larger to buyers?
Use mirrors, remove bulky furniture, keep window treatments minimal, and let in as much natural light as possible. Clear floors and surfaces help too.
What’s the best scent to use during a viewing?
Go for subtle and clean scents like citrus, fresh linen, or baked bread. Avoid overpowering fragrances or artificial sprays that can feel distracting or suspicious.
How soon should I start preparing my home for viewings?
Ideally, start at least two weeks in advance. This gives you enough time to deep clean, declutter, make small repairs, and arrange storage if needed.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for a viewing is one of the most important steps in the selling process. From boosting kerb appeal to decluttering and lighting, every detail plays a role in shaping a buyer’s impression.
The goal is to create a clean, spacious, and welcoming environment that helps buyers picture themselves living there.
By taking the time to present your home in the best possible light and using smart solutions like self-storage, you’ll stand out in a competitive market and move one step closer to sealing the deal.