Preparing for a viewing

Make the next viewing more useful—for everyone.

By Geraldine Inoue

A viewing works best when it answers the questions that brought someone there. Whether you’re buying or selling, a little preparation can make the conversation more focused.

If you’re buying, choose your questions first.

Think about the parts of the home you need to understand: the outlook, condition, access or the route to somewhere important. Bring those questions with you. It is easier to compare homes afterwards when you have looked at them through the same priorities.

For a new launch, ask which details apply to the unit you’re considering and which remain subject to confirmation. A presentation can help you visualise a development, but the specific plans and documents still matter.

If you’re selling, help the home explain itself.

Make rooms easy to walk through and discuss useful property information in advance. Agree a practical viewing arrangement for your household. The aim is a clear, comfortable visit where buyers can understand what is being offered.

If a question needs checking, say so and follow it up. A confident answer is helpful only when it is accurate.

Leave with a short, honest note.

For buyers: what worked, what did not, and what still needs an answer? For sellers: which questions came up repeatedly, and is there information the next visitor would find useful?

One visit or one comment rarely tells the whole story. A consistent set of notes makes it easier to decide what to do next.

Let’s give the viewing a purpose.

Tell me which property you’re considering, or what you want buyers to understand about your home. We can plan the next visit around that.