The Perfect Viewing
Is there such a thing as a perfect viewing? Probably not but let’s cover some essential points to give yourself the best possible chance.
- Getting the viewing in the first place can be the hard bit so dress to impress, take loads of photo’s and make sure the property looks fresh, clean and modern. As obvious as this sounds, make sure the room you are advertising is the room you are selling (yes, selling).
- Once you have your potential new tenant through the door, make sure you dwell on all the positive points to the property, what you perceive as a negative may not be an issue to someone else so don’t dwell on what you don’t like.
- People buy people so don’t only sell the house sell yourself too, they want to know that when they pick the phone up, they are heard and that any problems or maintenance issues will be dealt with in a timely manner.
- It’s always a good idea to have a bit of info about the people they will be sharing with. It doesn’t need to be war and peace but again people buy people so if it happens someone in the same house has similar interests then tell them and be sure to ask what their interests are too.
- Don’t be afraid to ask where they are from, what they do for work etc, it doesn’t need to be the Spanish inquisition I can just be a nice relaxed chat but the more information you have the better equipped you are to firstly decide if they are a good fit for you and the property but also the existing house mates.
- Make sure you go through any application forms that need to be filled in, explain why and what will happen and any holding fees or deposits that are required (remember guys NO ADMIN FEE’S). Being transparent now will save time later.
- If a prospective tenant turns out to be awkward, rude, takes their time completing paperwork or making payments they will generally continue like this throughout the whole tenancy.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to say no! Personally, I’ve been doing this for so long I normally get a gut feeling if the person is a good fit. If you feel like it’s a no for you don’t be afraid to say. What seems like a hard thing to say now wont even be close to how hard it could be if they turn out to be the tenant from hell!