The Five Senses of a Great House Viewing

It’s 4pm on a cold November afternoon. Your buyers have just come in from the rain. Before they’ve seen the kitchen or worked out where the sofa would go, they’ve already started to form an impression of your home.

When I talk to sellers about preparing for viewings, we usually start with how the house looks. That matters, of course, but so does how it feels to spend time there. Here’s how I’d use all five senses to make a viewing more welcoming.

Feel - Make it warm enough to take your coat off

In the colder months, put the heating on a little before the viewing. Buyers will naturally spend longer looking around if they feel comfortable. If they’re still zipped up halfway through, the cold might be what they remember most.

Smell - Keep it subtle

A bit of fresh air before a viewing goes a long way. A lightly scented candle or diffuser can be lovely, and there’s always the freshly baked bread cliché if you happen to have a loaf on the go. One gentle scent is plenty, especially in smaller rooms.

See - Give buyers room to picture their own things

Switch on a few lamps for a late-afternoon viewing, straighten the cushions and clear the kitchen worktops. Soft furnishings can make a room feel cosier, and a quick touch-up of scuffed paint can make it feel better cared for. Start with the things you notice when you walk through the front door.

Hear - Try a little background music

Hotels, restaurants and spas all use soft music to help people settle in. Why can’t you do the same at home? A little music in the background can take the edge off an awkward silence. Keep it low enough that buyers can chat comfortably and hear what the house itself sounds like.

Taste - A biscuit is going above and beyond

Nobody expects your property to taste nice, thankfully, I'm yet to encounter a buyer that felt it necessary to lick the walls to get the flavour! But if you want to go all out, offering a biscuit or a drink is a lovely touch. It’s entirely optional, and I’d get the heating on and the hallway clear before worrying about the biscuits.

If you’re selling your home in Taunton and wondering what’s worth doing before your first viewing, I’m happy to walk through it with you and point out the small things that could make a difference.