Ooh, this house selling malarkey is stressful. It’s akin to organising a party but one to which only occasional people bother to turn up and who can come at any time. Without warning!
Image (c) CikerFreeVector via pixabay
I’m permanently on tenterhooks waiting for the phone to ring. Desperate to hear those magic words from the estate agent, ‘We’ve got some buyers who would like to look around.’ A pattern of sorts has developed. A call often comes through on Thursdays. So, at the end of each week, the cleaning routine goes into overdrive.
Now, I’m usually pretty laid back about housework and, if truth be told, when I’m in the middle if a WIP it gets completely ignored. With two hairy spaniels and a house in the country, you can imagine the state it can get in. I’ve had to search deep, really deep and find the domestic goddess within. I’m getting better but sometimes it just feels like too much of a palaver. Not to mention it takes time away from the day job. I’m supposed to be writing a rom-com novella! Still, I’m taking great pride in my shiny bathroom.
In anticipation of a viewing, I also fit in a mad dash to the shops for flowers and ‘decorative fruit.’ I’m not a fan of Golden Delicious apples but they look fresh and colourful piled up in a bowl. Just wish they tasted as good.
Image (c) julenka via pixabay
Buying cut flowers every week is costing me a fortune but isn’t it a great excuse to have them in the house.
Image (c) Gellinger via pixabay
Twenty minutes before the viewing the dogs are booted out on a long walk with Hubby and the last minute preparations get underway. I rush around demented and:
Plump cushions. Funnily enough, I’m getting less plump. I can recommend this diet!
Re-make beds, having made them once only to have the dogs jump all over them. They love to help.
Mist Lavender spray everywhere taking care not to use too much as it makes me sneeze – it looks a bit too desperate as well.
Empty bins just in case there’s something smelly lurking. And you never know, you may get a viewer who peers into everything.
Switch on lights where necessary, especially those under the kitchen cupboards for that ‘lifestyle’ touch. No, I’ve no idea what that’s all about either.
Throw any cups or glasses randomly into the magic cupboard (dishwasher).
Shove any stray items into the nearest available drawer or cupboard – never to be found again. Still looking for my Kindle. Maybe that viewer who peers into everything will eventually find it?
Fold towels. Why this should make a difference, I don’t know but it at least looks tidier.
Image (c) Life-Of-Pix via pixabay
Check garden (wouldn’t do to have a prospective buyer step in a non-fragrant doggy souvenir). Ahem.
Prop certain doors open and close others – for maximum impact on opening with a suitably dramatic flourish, ‘And this is the master bedroom!’ Think I’ve nailed the dramatic flourish. Some viewers look quite startled.
Finally, I sit down and try to gather my nerves. And wait for the knock on the door. I haven’t resorted to the old trick of putting the coffee on or making bread just yet but watch this space … I’m not proud.
When it’s all over, I collapse in an untidy heap (about the only thing that’s allowed to be untidy). I don’t realise how tense I get. It’s also exhausting having to wrack your brain in order to answer questions about local clubs, facilities, the community. When put on the spot, I go blank! Not A Very Good Thing.
Sigh. Maybe I really ought to leave the viewings to the professionals?
If you have any tips on how to sell a house, please let me know.
Love,
Georgia x
PS If you’re interested in an escape to the country, I’ve got just the property! Told you I wasn’t proud.
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-58588421.html
