Updated on: 2 October 2023
Property viewings are the foundation stone of most sales, and local auction listings should still utilise this vital process.
Well-written schedules and professional photography can be useful in terms of setting the scene, but only a physical inspection gives people the chance to judge views, understand the flow of rooms and feel the quality of flooring underfoot. Even video tours won’t engage all your senses in the way an open viewing will.
If you’re looking to sell a property at auction, managing open viewings is essential. Also known as open house viewings, they give prospective bidders a sneak preview of what they might be buying.
Even if the property is an executry or a recently vacated HMO, it’s crucial to ensure it looks its best…
Managing open viewings is vital for maximising the bids your property receives at auction
Ten Tips For Managing Open Viewings
- Schedule the open house wisely. We’re heading into winter and the days are getting shorter, with the best natural light between late morning and early afternoon. Saturdays are more convenient for full-time workers, but people often have plans on Sundays.
- Try to stagger viewings. Arriving at an open house and discovering it’s full of people can be off-putting. It suggests there’ll be huge demand at auction, which might deter potential bidders. Where possible, encourage everyone to arrive at different times of the day.
- Be present! Even if it’s inconvenient for you, people will leave with a far more positive impression of the property if the vendor or owner is managing open viewings. You can also guide viewers around – which brings us onto our next tip…
- Start and finish any tours in the strongest room. This is where managing open viewings becomes psychological. First impressions count, and the last thing people see stays with them. Make both the most impressive room (or a big garden, if you’ve got one and it’s dry).
- Allow people to meander. As well as showing people around (and ensuring they don’t walk into a cupboard by accident), encourage them to explore independently. They’re far more likely to make buying decisions left to their own devices, able to discuss the property openly.
- Maximise cleanliness. We recently discussed how to clear a property prior to marketing it. Even seasoned auction buyers and serial investors won’t want to be confronted with rooms piled with clutter, cobwebs in the corners or dirty windows.
- Tackle little DIY jobs. We’re not talking about major work here – just replacing dead light bulbs, oiling door hinges, reattaching loose toilet seats and tacking down loose carpets. A screwdriver set and a bottle of WD40 can work wonders.
- Ensure the grounds are tidy. Expanding on the previous points, maximise kerb appeal. Even if the property is an on-street terrace, remove weeds from the pavement, wash the windows and touch up flaking paintwork. Tidy communal areas in flatted dwellings as far as possible.
- Commission a deep clean. If your timeline and budget allow, ask a local cleaning company to blitz the property prior to the open day. They’ll be able to tackle windows and blinds, sinks and toilets, skirting boards and floors. Cleanliness creates a positive overall impression.
- Any questions? Our final tip for managing open viewings is to ask if people have questions before they leave. You’ll need to know about fibre broadband availability, local school catchments, etc – do some research in advance if you don’t already know these things.
