A Seller's Guide: Always be ready for the show

As the real estate industry - and the world at large - continues to live out online, the world of show houses has also ground to a halt, meaning sellers and their agents are needing to navigate this new world and stake a claim in the market.

Of course, we have the Covid-19 pandemic to thank for this rapid move online, with much of the focus during the pandemic having been on how companies managed to shift to a digital workspace, with the Real Estate industry being no different. A strong digital presence was crucial for companies, with websites and social media platforms being maximized, while a shift to virtual viewings also soon took hold.

Show houses have never been The Agency's way, preferring instead to offer a personalised service, and allowing viewings of their client's properties by appointment only. Buyers are qualified before-hand and the agents can then operate purely on a more personalised, individual basis.

With this in mind, and with the digital element providing buyers with a 24-7 portal to available properties, The Agency advises that sellers are always ready to showcase their homes in the following ways:

Kerb appeal - The outside of your property sets the tone for all that lies in wait. Make sure your bins are out of site, move your cars from the front, and ensure the area is clean and tidy, without any excess ornaments or signage.

Declutter - The first impression is always the most important and sellers need to ensure that potential buyers are blown away by that first viewing. Pack up or get rid of as much unnecessary clutter as you can well before your house goes on the market. Nobody wants to view a home that looks scattered and chaotic.

Keep the outside areas neat and clean - Mow the lawn and clean up after pets. Trim the edges and weed the beds. Toss out all the old plastic toys, broken pots or broken fences and ensure the outside areas are places buyers see themselves enjoying.

Keep it clean and light - You want your home to be a sparkling, clean place, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms as this is where a home is sold. Clean the entire property, polish taps and counters and keep windows and blinds open to let the natural light in. Open the doors so the space is fresh as well as clean.

Keep a pool, not a swamp - like your garden, the pool needs to be inviting. Keep the water crystal clear and the surrounding area neat and orderly. You want your buyers craving a swim, not scrambling to get back inside.

Choose the right agent - it is obviously important to keep your property in tip-top shape, but ensuring you have the right agent to manage the viewings is perhaps even more important.

The Agency's Kyle Leigh is well aware of how important the combination of a clean, well-maintained house as per above and a professional, well-versed agent is in today's climate, both online and offline.

"Firstly, you will want to do any cosmetic repairs before you even photograph or show people the house," says Kyle. "You want to stage it really well because If the buyer can imagine themselves living there, you are halfway there.

"But, at the end of the day, it's hugely important to choose the right agents.

"For us, it's about taking the buyer on a journey and we have started this long before we even enter the front door. We've spoken about the neighbourhood, we have shown the buyer the restaurants and coffee shops around the corner, and have given them insight into the surrounding area.

"The agent, will then, of course, take that 'journey' further through the house, by highlighting the key features, and selling points of the property. It is so important for the seller to understand that the combination of allowing the agent the space to take the buyer through the home and ensuring their property is immaculately presented at all times, will ultimately lead to a better chance of a sale."