The old ‘adage’ for a vendor or landlord to pop a pot of coffee on the stove or having the aroma of cakes or bread baking that will never be eaten is old-hat nowadays. Replaced by plug-ins or scented candles to hide any unpleasant odours have become the norm, but will this influence or persuade the buyer or future tenant?
As property buying agents we work with buyers every day and here is an insight into what some buyers look for.
Presentation
From the moment the buyer or tenant sees the property from the outside it will create an immediate impression; even before the front door is opened. Whether it is the fresh gravel on the drive way, newly potted plant tubs at the door or simply everything being neat and organised around the entrance to a property will certainly be noticed.
The moment the front door is opened and within a few minutes a buyer or tenant will form an opinion as to whether this is the right property or not. So the first impressions count for everything.
First impressions
Buyers often comment about how tidy and clean a property is presented (or not); certainly it is noticeable and often commented upon if a property is dirty, unloved and is a distinct turnoff. A well lived-in, happy home can be spotted immediately so any effort will be rewarded and the attitude to a buyer wanting to continue with a viewing will be obvious.
Be warned though, as a buyer or tenant is viewing a property to critic and see how suitable and affordable the property is for their own purposes. Many will smell if the property has recently been painted and raise the question as to what are the vendors hiding. If all the lights are turned on, is there a problem with not having sufficient natural light.
Maintenance & Repairs
All buyers and tenants will notice if the property would benefit from some basic DIY and maintenance. So if there are weeds in the drive, a light bulb that has blown, or even more critical that they notice a crack in the plasterwork or water mark on the ceiling a buyer will see it! This may be one of the reasons as to why a buyer or tenant chooses not to make an offer on the property.
Owners and their Pets
Should you or your pet be at home during a viewing?
Of course there are some pets that have to be at home and there are times when a buyer enjoys meeting a friendly cat or dog. However, a property that smells of pets and a smelly pet can be a real turn-off for some viewers. Where possible open the windows!
Some owners are incredibly helpful when at home when a viewing takes place. They can be intrusive but available for the odd question but many have been a ‘sales prevention’ officer at times. It is all about getting the right balance.
Room proportions and space
Prospective buyers and tenants are all influenced by the size of the rooms, natural light and space both to live and store their possessions.
People with large pieces of furniture, copious amount of books, memorabilia or wall mounted pictures imagine where their furniture and personal possessions will go.
Before a property is marketed, consider a de-clutter, get organised as this will not only appeal to a buyer but may be the one difference that seals the deal.
Information a buyer or tenant may wish to know
Prior to you living in the property what have you done and what would you do if you were to stay.
A prospective buyer may well see potential and areas of improvement they would consider doing to a property very quickly, but having lived in a property for a period of time, there may be better alternatives to consider.
The number of people who make impulsive remarks and immediately look at a floor plan and say that they would punch a hole through that wall, take that wall out, create this that and the other never ceases to amaze. It also can be highly insulting to the current owners as within a few minutes of viewing their family home, a buyer can offend and be rude about a person’s standard of living.
But if a vendor can give guidance and point out the potential, this can be enormously helpful.
A change in lifestyle
Some buyers are looking for a lifestyle as much as a home. If a buyer or vendor can see how you live it may influence how they too would settle and live in the property. Alfresco dining, aperitifs on the patio, informal suppers at the kitchen table and even how easy the garden is to manage are all aspiration lifestyle changes for some people.
Reasons for moving
Buyers and tenants are always interested, intrigued, nosy and sometimes inquisitive to know why people are moving. A tricky question and regularly contrary! Some examples:
An elderly client looking towards buying doesn’t need to hear that someone is moving to down size as the property is too big and high on maintenance.
We want to be closer to the shops and facilities and we feel vulnerable and too remote!
The cellar floods every year so we wish to move!
Noisy neighbours.
Added value
Buyers and tenants like to understand and know how they can create added value and create living space to their homes. This can be an effective way to demonstrate how a property might work for them, without the expense of carrying out any structural work. A list of options that demonstrates and highlights the possible options, information buyers always welcome.
Outdoor living & space
The patio, balcony and/or garden can be one of the most vital areas people look at when viewing a potential property particularly when children are involved. A neatly kept garden or patio space safe for children to play and that can be used is essential to many families.
A dash of colour with certainly influence many would be buyers or tenants.
Talk to us about engaging us as buying agents to help you find your perfect property. Call Nigel Sellers 01962 793 100 or email enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk
