House Viewing

[dot.hawkes]

Hi, I've got 2 lots of people coming at 6 and 6.30 to view the house, I've got the house lovely and warm, and the stink of the two dogs is well masked with the subtle odour of something burning in a fancy jar from tescos, what about atmosphere? Should I have Garth Brooks playing in the background or would you go for a bit of Sinatra to make the karma just right?

[society]

Something nice and mellow, and not to loud.

Good luck on your house viewing, and congratulations on your moving.

[mrs_overall]

Dunno about the music - if they're metal heads they won't appreciate either of your choices.
Can the dogs go to the neighbours for the duration of the viewings?
Don't forget subtle lighting, fresh flowers and either bread or buns baking in the oven or fresh coffee aromas.

[what..the?]

I suppose it would depend on the type of person that would buy your house, young, young with children, middleaged, old???

But then I am 27 and sinatra would make me feel at home.

Have you tried baking bread that smells great by the way, get those part baked rolls and you put them in for say 25 mins, you could put a couple in at a time.

Fresh brewed coffee is a good smell.

And lots of toilet cleaner, not bleach the other one that smell nice it always makes the place look clean if it smells cleaner lol

[what..the?]

Have you hidden dog related stuff, bowls, toys etc, or will the dogs be there anyway?

If so just make them look cute lol

[Cetti]

I wouldn't bother with any of it dot, as it can all be very offputting to a potential buyer.

The first few houses we looked at last year all had dreadful music playing - and the last house might have been perfect, but I felt so ill from the smell of pot pourri my husband had to get me out fast!

If you must have music, then light classical very very, low. Use Neutralize (I think that's the name) spray for all nasty pongs - and remove photographs and ornaments to create a less-is-more atmosphere, so buyers can imagine themselves living there. Good luck!

[dot.hawkes]

lol well i have taken onboard some of the more construcrive advice!! I actually might take cleversod's idea on board too, I know the history of this house back to the late 1800s and maybe people will not be that bothered! I also know the history of all the neighbours too, don't suppose that would be of use! I'll just go with the flow I think, I still havn't put all the pics and ornaments back since we took all the Christmas stuff down and so that's ok.!!

[cruella]

Hi dot,
I always find, if the lighting is right, things tend to look better.
Use lamps and I think I would forget the music.
Good luck with it anyway.

[Cetti]

One last hint - don't hover, although I can't imagine you being a hoverer :-)

[Bewlay Bros]

Dotty,

Hide your ornaments.

Although they may be lovely, people want to imagine their own personality on the shelves etc. And some ignorant folk can not see past any clutter at all.

Also, though I am sure you have, make sure cupboards are tidy are not bursting with junk. It will give the aura of lots of space.

And I know you have said you have something whiffing away to hide the dogs, but a hot pot of really strong coffee supposed to psychologically arouse peoples home senses.

As for the music???????????????

Bowie or the Beach Boys of course!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dot.hawkes]

LOl I thought you'd put Hoover then!! Well they are not walking round the house on their own, but I shall try to keep the info to the minmum unless they ask!

[dot.hawkes]

My ornaments are pieces of antique procelain and Beswick horses pretty much, and only a few of those are out, I have taken all the holiday suivenirs away, like the mexican sombrero (black with silver pattern and trim, and the cigar box and tomtom from Cuba! it's quite exciting, I have been here 20 years and so not had the experience of a house sale for ages!

[Bewlay Bros]

Oh and if you have any immigrants in the street, pay them a fiver to disappear for an half an hour or so.

[theonlyone]

Good luck Dot , when we were selling our house we had a man who insisted on going in to the loft and banging on the dividing wall ?? very odd. Fingers Xed for you x

[dot.hawkes]

no there are no immigrants in this village, they are pretty much all related, kick one and twelve limp is the village motto lol

[dot.hawkes]

oh you're scaring me now! anyway, in our loft, the dividing wall is only 3ft high and you can see all the way down the terrace, with a poweful enough torch of course.

[weeal]

Whenever I have sold up I havent bothered with music, I just had the TV on mute (quite normal) and didnt have the house too hot. You want a natural atmosphere, like their own house probably would be.

[tickledtrout]

I agree with cruella, music might be intrusive

[PatriciaH]

Im gonna be a nosey bint now Dot so .............................



Where are you moving to? staying local to where you are or further afield? Good luck on the sale xx