When you’re selling your home, there’s no shortage of questions that come up along the way. One of the most common questions is – “Do I have to leave my house for a viewing?” It’s your home, your personal space, and it can feel a bit strange having people walking through it when you’re still living there. So let’s break it down and explore what’s expected, what’s optional, and what’s best for your sale.
While you don’t legally have to leave your house for a viewing, it’s strongly recommended that you do. And not just because your Estate Agent said so – there are genuine reasons that benefit you and your potential buyers and ultimately will help with the sale of your home.
But like all things in property, its not all black and white. So let’s explore the “why” behind it, and what to consider if you’re feeling hesitant about stepping out during a viewing.
Why Leaving the House Helps Your Sale
Buyers Feel More Comfortable
Imagine walking into a house you might buy and having the current owner following you from room to room. It’s can sometimes feel a bit awkward. Most buyers feel more comfortable asking questions, opening cupboards, peeking in loft spaces, and spending time in each room when the seller isn’t there.
A relaxed buyer is a more engaged buyer, and that can lead to a higher attraction to the home and a better chance of making an offer.
It Removes Pressure
Viewings are as much about emotion as they are about square footage and floor plans. If a buyer feels like they’re being watched or worries about offending the seller with a comment like “we’d knock that wall down,” they won’t engage fully with the space. Giving them the freedom to look around at their own pace helps them imagine living there, rather than feeling like they’re visiting someone else’s home.
Estate Agents Can Do Their Job Freely
When sellers are home, agents often hold back slightly – they don’t want to step on anyone’s toes or over-explain things you might jump in on. By being out, you’re allowing your agent to guide the viewing naturally, answer questions openly, and handle any objections professionally. They’re there to highlight your home’s best features and build a relationship with the buyers to help them make a decision.
When You Might Need To Stay
There are times when staying in the house might be necessary or preferred, maybe you’re working from home, have young children, or simply feel uncomfortable about leaving. In these situations there are a few ways to make it work without negatively affecting the viewing.
- Stay in one area: Try to choose a spot like the garden, conservatory, or a office to stay out of the way. This helps buyers move freely while knowing you’re nearby if needed.
- Avoid hovering: Try to resist the urge to be present for the tour. Let the estate agent lead and trust them to communicate the value of your home.
- Be polite: A friendly hello is great, but try to keep small talk to a minimum so buyers can focus on the property.
At the end of the day, your comfort is important but so is creating the right atmosphere for potential buyers!
Virtual Viewings: What Are They, And Do You Need To Leave?
Post COVID-19, virtual viewings have become more common, and in some cases, they’re the first step before an in-person visit. If your estate agent offers virtual tours or live video walk-throughs, you might be able to accommodate early stage interest without needing to leave your home at all.
However, serious buyers usually want to see the property in person before making an offer, so while virtual viewings can reduce the number of physical visits, they will rarely replace them entirely.
What If You Can’t Leave?
If leaving isn’t possible due to mobility issues, health concerns, or other commitments, be honest with your estate agent. They can schedule viewings around your routine, limit access to certain areas, or inform buyers in advance that the owner will be home. Managing expectations is key.
Here are some Top Tips for preparing your home before a viewing:
Whether you’ll be in the house or not, here are a few tips to make your house shine and give a great first impression!
- Declutter: Clear countertops, tidy shelves, and store away anything personal. Less is more.
- Light it up: Open curtains and blinds, turn on lights, and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Freshen up: Air out rooms, empty bins, and do a once over with the hoover or dust before the viewing.
- Highlight key features: Make sure standout elements (like fireplaces, garden views, or original details) are clean and visible, and walls have been touched up with a lick of paint!
At the end of the day, the decision to stay or leave during a viewing is yours. But if your goal is to sell your home quickly and for the best price, stepping out for viewings can give you an advantage. It creates a more open and relaxed environment for potential buyers to see themselves living there! That emotional connection to a house is what seals the deal.
At Presence & Co., we believe that communication is key, and talking to your Estate Agent about the plan that works best for you and your lifestyle beforehand is key. We offer a flexible approach and preparation to make every viewing count, whether you are home or not.
Are you thinking of selling your home soon? At Presence & Co., we support you at every step of the way. From preparing your property for viewings to negotiating the best offer. We understand that your home is personal, and we’ll help you market it in a way that feels right for you.
Contact us today to arrange a free, no obligation property valuation or to learn more about our tailored estate agency services.
