There is no one answer to the average number of viewings it takes to sell your house; it could be one, it could be a hundred; but to get it closer to one, here are 6 last minute tips to prepare your house for viewings.

1.    First impressions really do count.

Stand outside your house and compare it with your neighbours. Are you proud of the way it looks or can it be improved? Many people will judge a house by its exterior, and if it’s not up to standards, you’ve already lost the battle. Many people trawling through Rightmove while looking for their potential new home will just scroll past a house seconds after looking at the outside if it doesn’t excite them. Make those potential buyers stop and check out your house by making sure it looks perfect from the outside.

2.     Declutter

They’ve seen your house from the outside and are excited to enter; congratulations, you’ve won half the battle! Now you don’t want to ruin the viewing by having your house so full of stuff that the potential buyer can barely walk around. You don’t need to take down every ornament or vase, but make sure there is nothing lying around on the floors and kitchen or bathroom units. Also make sure there are no clothes drying on racks, or any clutter on the beds or sofa.

3.     Detach yourself from your house.

It’s only natural to have pictures of loved ones and friends throughout your home, but when it comes to a viewing, put some of them away. Potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in the house, not you and your family, which can become hard to do when the house is full of stranger’s pictures. When people walk around a new build, they can better imagine themselves living there, as the house is a clean slate, so try to make your home feel vacated in that respect.

4.    Check for odours.

Every home has its own smell, and while it may sound silly, odour can be make or break for your home sale. While you may no longer smell your pet, or a slight whiff of stale cigarette, it’s guaranteed your viewers will. Make sure you take any pets to a friend or family member’s home, and get rid of any pet food. Make sure all of your bins are empty and the washing up is done. You’d be surprised how a few sprays of air freshener can transform a room in seconds.

5.     Be prepared: Know your house inside out

Some buyers love to put homeowners on the spot. Be prepared for answers to questions on your home on things like:

- Condition of the central heating system

- When the house was re-wired (if it was)

- School catchment area

- How old the house is

- Any insulation queries

- Broadband speeds

If you don’t know and become evasive, this could look suspicious to an eagle eyed buyer, so make sure you have the knowledge at hand.

6.     Sort out the garden.

House sales can be won or lost in the garden. If you’ve got a nice big garden, then show it off! Cut the lawn and display it with pride. With the increase of new houses, and the government’s Help to Buy scheme, first time buyers will be debating getting a new build vs an older house. Show off your garden with style so they can see that old doesn’t mean boring, it means character!

In summary, there are a hundred and one things to think about when you’re buying or selling a house. With countless mortgages, schemes, solicitors etc around it can be enough to drive some potential buyers up the wall with stress. Make viewing your home a delight for them, and by following these tips, you should hopefully find a buyer in no time.