Property Viewings: Should Sellers Stay or Go?

This can be a pivotal moment, where buyers either instantly fall in love and propose an offer, or they are dissuaded.

How then can sellers ensure that viewings proceed seamlessly and that nothing they do or say repels a potential buyer?

Beyond the basic expectations such as maintaining a tidy and clutter-free home, most agents suggest that sellers leave during viewings.

This guidance might appear paradoxical. Undoubtedly, the owner possesses the most knowledge about the property and should be available to field queries.

However, drawing on our extensive experience, we recommend that owners (including their children and pets) are absent during viewings. Here are the reasons:

Viewings provide buyers with a chance to envision themselves residing in the property. The presence of the owner can be distracting and make everyone feel uneasy.

If buyers are uncomfortable, they might hasten their viewing rather than thoroughly assessing the property's virtues and possibilities.

Agents are seasoned in managing viewings. They will engage the buyers in detailed discussions to discern their exact needs and build a rapport.

Skilled agents are proficient negotiators, equipped to handle even the most challenging offers. Meanwhile, sellers can inadvertently reveal too much or make unhelpful comments when under pressure.

Post-viewing, an agent will seek feedback from the buyer, which is invaluable for identifying any minor issues that may need attention. Buyers are more likely to be forthright with an agent rather than directly with the owner, to avoid seeming discourteous.

Should buyers inquire about the property's history or specific details regarding renovations, the agent can relay these questions to the seller. In this manner, the seller's expertise is leveraged, just not during the initial viewing.