Should you host your own property viewings?

Our sales package lets you host your own viewings, an option that is increasingly popular with vendors (although you can buy hosted viewings as an add-on if it isn’t for you).

For many people, hosting your own viewings is a no brainer. It’s your home, after all: of course you can show people around it. But to others, the prospect of inviting strangers into their property can be a little daunting. In this guide we look at the benefits of both hosting your own property viewings and using a Hosted Viewings service.

The benefits of hosting your own viewings

You’re a local expert

Having bought and lived in the area you’re likely to know it well so can highlight the best local information. Listening to your buyer and their needs can ensure that you tell them the most relevant local information.

Have they got children? If so, are you in the catchment areas for any good schools? If your buyer mentions an interest in exercise, why not tell them about the local leisure centre, or the park down the road where all the runners go? If there is a new supermarket, cafe or restaurant that’s particularly good, tell them about it!

You know your property best

It’s your home and noone knows it better than you. You can highlight your homes best features and answer any questions that the buyer might have. You’re likely to already have detailed knowledge of your property from when your boiler was installed to if you have previously requested planning permission.

Save money on fees

Hosting your own viewings will save you money in fees. Whilst easyProperty charge a low fixed fee for their sales service, saving a few hundred pounds by hosting your own viewings is money that can go towards your new place.

Availability outside office hours

Many prospective buyers will be working during the day. This means a lot of them will only be free to view your property in the evenings and at weekends.

If you’re carrying out your viewings, you can be flexible to potential buyers needs outside of office hours and possibly get more viewings.

Why you might want a Hosted Viewings service

If you’d rather not carry out your own viewings, consider our hosted viewings service available for just £399.

So what are the benefits of getting a professional to host your viewing?

Perhaps you’re shy around strangers

If you’re the kind of person to shy away from strangers, having a Hosted Viewings service could be a huge benefit. If your buyers have any questions (and they will have questions), your reticence could be seen as a warning that the property isn’t right for them — when in reality you are simply shy.

Practice makes perfect

Let’s face it: if you’re doing your own viewings for the first time, there might be a bit of a learning curve. Until you feel comfortable carrying out your own viewings, though, why not see how professionals do it? Having conducted countless viewings, they’re well-accustomed with what to say and what to point out. It’s also a great way to get some practice, without jeopardising your chances of securing an offer.

Availability during office hours

We’ve already spoken about how most buyers are largely available to view your home at evenings and weekends. However, most serious applicants will want to get a feel for what your property is like during daylight hours. Many jobs don’t allow the luxury of ducking out of the office to carry out a viewing, and if booking a day off isn’t a viable option, or you don’t want to eat into your annual leave to sell your home, then a Hosted Viewing service could be the perfect solution.

Final thoughts

Everybody’s situation will be different, and you know best how to get the most out of your viewings. You can choose exactly what you and your property need. If you’re unsure, why not join a professional on a viewing and get an idea of what to do? Once you see how it’s done, you’ll be hosting your own viewings in no time.

If you’re interested in hosting your own viewings, take a look at our guide, how to stay safe during property viewings.

Learn more

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