As a landlord, you’re probably familiar with what happens when potential buyers come to see your house. Both the serious and casual visitors will show up and someone will eventually make an offer. The deal is closed and the house is now in someone else’s hands.  

Holding your property viewings is an important part of the renting process. According to a recent poll, 77% of landlords stated doing their house viewings and it was easy, according to the UK Landlord Survey 2021.

However, even still, some landlords are still scared of conducting their viewings. For this reason, they would prefer someone such as a clerk to do it for them. What they don’t know however is that doing it by themselves is much more beneficial.

Here’s why landlords should consider doing their property viewings. Let’s dive straight into it.‍

Organise your house viewings to save money on the cost of a viewing clerk.‍

You won’t have to pay someone else to do your house viewings if you do it yourself. Why pay more when you can do it yourself anyway? Advertising your property and setting up your tenancy is already costly.

According to the UK Landlord Survey of 2021, 89 percent of landlords responded that conserving money on fees was vital to them, and eliminating the viewing clerk which includes other extras certainly helps with that. In other words, the more work you do yourself, the more money you save.

The only case where things would be different is if the landlord doesn’t stay close by. Then they may not be able to show visitors around. However, a possible solution could be to delegate a friend or relative to conduct the viewing on your behalf.‍

Take advantage of the house tour to get to know potential tenants.‍

You must get to know the people that will be living on your property. Have a conversation with them as you conduct house viewings. This will give you chance to get to know if they’re the right person to be staying in the house. The tenants will also use the chance to get to know you and connect with you better. Remember that first impressions matter a lot, you cannot misuse such an opportunity.

To make a good first impression make sure to;

Greet the visitors. When greeting visitors, be kind and friendly. Introduce yourself and welcome them to the property with a handshake.

Remove Emotion from the equation. Keep in mind that the goal is to sell your home. Remove all emotion from the situation and don’t take offence to any comments or criticism. It’s no longer your home, but a viewer’s potential home. Feedback is beneficial since it allows you to make improvements and determine the type of buyer you want to attract.

Be honest with customers. Do not lie or exaggerate anything because ultimately the truth will come out. Answer honestly, and if you don’t know the answer, simply say you’ll look into it and get back to them. ‍

Schedule house tours around your schedule.‍

Landlords can be quite busy, and many do not believe they have time to undertake their property inspections. When completing your viewings, however, you have the freedom to be more flexible and work according to your schedule.

Most people who rent have full-time jobs, which makes conducting house tours during business hours quite difficult. In either case, consumers value the ability to plan viewings around their schedules, so it’s a win-win situation for both parties. Importantly, because of this flexibility, arranging your viewings boosts your chances of a faster let.‍

Get to ask your to-be tenants questions‍

The likely scenario is that you expect tenants to have many questions for you, however, have you thought about the questions you have for them? Why are they renting instead of buying? When do they intend to relocate? How many children do they have? Are they single? Do they have a pet?

Their responses can be quite useful in determining whether or not they are a good fit for your home. If It’s evident that your property isn’t suited if they only want to rent for six months when you’re searching for a long-term tenant. You might place them at the top of your list if you need a tenant immediately and they’re ready to move in.

It’s important to learn more about a potential tenant so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to rent your property to them, and doing your own house viewings can guarantee it. This will also eliminate the need to negotiate with a letting agent or a viewing clerk.‍‍

‍Doing your house viewings allows you to pick who you want to see in your home.‍

You have complete control over who leases your property by conducting your house viewings. Instead of relying on an agent’s opinion, you get to see the tenant and make your own decision. Because the decision is entirely yours, there is no wasted time or tedious back-and-forth between you and a third party. It’s also beneficial to the tenant.

Many tenants prefer a more personal rental experience over one that feels like a corporate transaction. In fact, conducting your property viewings demonstrates to the tenant that you are serious about renting your home and may make them feel more at ease.‍

You can address tenants’ inquiries if you do your house inspection.‍

Nobody understands your property better than you if you’re a self-managing landlord. You’re the perfect person to ask questions to. Whereas viewing clerks may not know everything there is to know about your property, you do. What’s it like to live next door? How much do your utility bills cost?

New buyers will enjoy your openness, and you’ll be able to get direct feedback from them and address any issues promptly. ‍

‍Conclusion‍

Hopefully, you have received some helpful information when it comes to conducting your own viewings as a landlord. To summarise the main perks are being able to save money, interact with clients, and choose whom you want to be in your home.

As your utility management experts, If you have any questions regarding how Homebox can help you along your journey contact a member of our sales team today!

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