It’s a strange feeling, having people walk through your home while you’re still living in it. You don’t have to leave for viewings, but stepping out usually makes things easier all round.
Why It Makes a Difference
Imagine walking into a home you might buy. And the seller is standing there. Watching. Maybe nodding. Maybe hovering. Feels awkward, right?
Buyers want to look in cupboards. They want to imagine knocking through walls or sticking a kitchen island where the dog bed currently is. That’s harder to do when the owner’s nearby. Give them space, and they’ll relax. And when buyers relax, they picture themselves living there. That’s when the magic happens.
Then there’s your estate agency team. It’s tricky for them to do their job properly when you’re around. Most hold back a little if the owner’s present. They don’t want to say the wrong thing or second guess what you might chime in with. When you’re not there, they can focus on the buyers, answer questions, and show the place in its best light.
But What If You Can’t Leave?
Of course, there’ll be times when heading out isn’t ideal. Maybe you’re working, juggling the kids, or just not up for it.
If that’s the situation, just settle somewhere out of the way like the garden, the office, or the conservatory. Try not to hover. Let the agent take the lead and give buyers the room to take it all in. A quick hello is fine, but small talk can wait.
What About Virtual Viewings?
Virtual viewings became more common during COVID and they’re still useful, especially early on. Some buyers will do a video tour before deciding whether to come in person. But most serious buyers will want to see the place for real before making an offer. So while virtual tours can cut down the number of visits, they won’t replace them entirely.
If Leaving Isn’t an Option
Sometimes it just isn’t possible to leave. Maybe for health reasons, mobility issues, or other personal stuff. That’s OK. Just be straight with your agent. They can plan viewings around your routine or let buyers know in advance that you’ll be home. A bit of notice goes a long way. If you’re a landlord, managing this well is key to protecting your tenant relationships too — our guide for private landlords explains more.
A Few Quick Fixes Before Any Viewing
- Tidy up: Clear the surfaces, sort the clutter, and put anything personal out of sight.
- Let the light in: Open the curtains, switch on the lamps, and make the place feel bright.
- Air it out: Quick hoover, fresh air, bins emptied. It all helps.
- Show off the good bits: Fireplaces, garden views, original details. Make sure they shine.
In the end, it’s your choice whether to stay or go. But if your aim is to sell quickly and well, stepping out can help buyers feel more at ease. And that feeling often turns into action.
At Presence & Co., we know it’s about more than just the viewing — it’s about managing the whole journey. From helping sellers prepare to supporting landlords with property portfolio management, we’ll tailor our approach to suit you.
Thinking of selling?
Get in touch and we’ll help you get started with a free valuation and some honest advice on what to expect.
