Thinking of handling the sale of your house or flat yourself? While it’s often recommended to enlist a professional estate agent, the Antibes Transactions team has put together a list of essential tips to help you maximise your chances of impressing buyers during viewings. These handy hints could be the key to a swift and successful sale!

1. Create a sense of space: declutter your rooms

A cluttered home can make even the largest space feel cramped and poorly organised. Scattered objects, too much furniture, or awkwardly placed items can make buyers think your property lacks storage or functionality. On the flip side, clear, open rooms give the impression of space and order.

If there are certain pieces you want to keep but they’re crowding the space, consider renting a storage unit or using a garage for the duration of the viewings. This way, your home remains free and spacious without sacrificing your cherished belongings.

2. Keep it neutral: tone down your décor

You may have spent countless hours perfecting the décor in your home, but what works for you might not appeal to everyone. Overly personalised interiors can distract potential buyers and make it harder for them to imagine themselves living there. Your goal should be to create a blank canvas that allows visitors to picture their own style. So, consider removing bold, imposing, or unique pieces of décor that might not suit everyone’s tastes.

By simplifying the aesthetic, you’ll help buyers focus on the space itself and make it easier for them to envision their future life in your home.

3. Plan for your pets: arrange an outing during viewings

As adorable as pets are, they can sometimes be a distraction or even a source of stress for potential buyers. A barking dog or overly curious cat could throw off the flow of the viewing, and some visitors may be allergic or uncomfortable around animals.

To ensure a welcoming and calm environment, plan a walk for your dog or book a grooming session for your pets during viewing times. This will allow buyers to concentrate fully on your property without being sidetracked by furry friends.

4. Show your home is well looked after: air out every room before viewings

Fresh air gives an instant impression of cleanliness and good upkeep. A stuffy room can feel claustrophobic and suggest underlying issues like damp, which can be off-putting for buyers. On the other hand, a well-aired space conveys that your property is properly maintained.

Before each viewing, open the windows to let fresh air circulate and eliminate any lingering odours. Since some people are particularly sensitive to smells, this simple step can help avoid any unpleasant surprises and create a more inviting atmosphere.

5. Time it right: schedule viewings when the sun is shining

Natural light is one of your best allies when it comes to showing off your property. A home bathed in sunlight feels warmer, more welcoming, and spacious. So, when scheduling viewings, keep an eye on the weather forecast and try to arrange appointments for bright, sunny days.

On the day of the viewing, make sure to open curtains, blinds, or shutters to let in as much light as possible. Even in darker corners of your home, natural light can work wonders in transforming the space. Never underestimate the impact a bit of sunshine can have on potential buyers!

6. Help visitors picture themselves in the space: keep bedrooms neutral

Bedrooms are deeply personal spaces, and it’s crucial for buyers to imagine them as their own. A room that’s too stereotypically styled, such as one that’s all pink or blue, can make it difficult for buyers to see how it would fit their own family dynamic.

Opt for neutral, unisex décor in bedrooms, using soft tones and items that don’t lean too heavily in one direction. This way, visitors can easily imagine anyone—from boys to girls, or even a home office—using the room.

7. Use the viewings as an opportunity to declutter: sort through your things

Viewings are the perfect time to clear out all those items you’ve accumulated over the years but no longer need. You know, the things that have been sitting around so long you’ve forgotten they’re even there? Now’s the moment to do a major declutter and get rid of what’s no longer useful.

Not only will this make your eventual move easier, but it will also make your home feel more spacious, organised, and appealing to buyers. They’ll appreciate the open, clean look, and it will reinforce the sense that your home is well-maintained.

8. Ensure easy navigation: clear the floors of any hazards

Visitors don’t know your home like you do. What seems like a small obstacle—whether it’s an extension cord, children’s toys, or a robot vacuum—can trip up potential buyers. To ensure a safe and smooth viewing experience, make sure that all walkways and floors are free from clutter.

Think about safety and practicality: remove any items that might cause a stumble or block the flow of the tour. This way, buyers can move through your home effortlessly, without any distractions or mishaps.

9. Highlight the potential: clear work surfaces and desks

Clean, uncluttered work surfaces and desks signal flexibility and potential to buyers. If visitors see worktops overloaded with items, they may struggle to picture how they’d use the space. But a clear, open surface invites the imagination, helping them visualise themselves cooking, working, or hosting family gatherings.

Not only does this create a sense of order and cleanliness, but it also emphasises the available space and the layout of the room. These small details, when added together, can make a big impact.

10. Leave a lasting impression: prepare a fact sheet with photos

Don’t let visitors leave empty-handed! Prepare a fact sheet that includes high-quality photos of your property, showcasing its best features. Be sure to include essential details like service charges, council tax, and any relevant technical specifications such as heating systems or insulation.

Also, consider adding some information about the local area: nearby amenities, transport links, schools, and anything that highlights why the location is ideal. With this sheet, buyers will leave with a clear memory of your home’s strengths, keeping it top of mind as they continue their search.

With these practical and approachable tips, you’re well-equipped to organise successful viewings and leave a strong impression on potential buyers. By taking these steps, you’ll increase your chances of a quicker sale and ensure your home stands out from the crowd.

Now that you have finished reading this article, we invite you to visit our « resources » section and read other related articles you may find useful. Do you have a real estate project? Contact us, we will be happy to hear from you and learn more about your project.

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