With the myriad of house styling shows, one would think that everyone was wise to the styling ticks that encourage a positive house viewing experience, but Stacks property finders come across many people who are housebuying flibbertigibbet – ie finding it difficult to commit to a property purchase because they are still having their heads turned by the wrong homes. They are being influenced by the subconscious signals, and whilst it might not make them buy the wrong house – although we do know instances of that too! – they are confused by their own responses every time they go on a viewing – which in turn makes them doubt themselves and their instincts even further, resulting in paralysis.

If you are buying a property, don’t be taken in by the styling tricks savvy homesellers might employ :

Heat and light are fundamental. If a house is beautifully lit, turn all the lights off, everywhere, then go round and look again. If the property feels comfortingly warm and cosy, check whether the temperature is only achieved by radiators working at full tilt.

Ignore, ignore, ignore – anything that will move out with the vendors. It’s difficult to imagine a property minus the beautiful works of art, divine rugs, and fabulous furniture, but help yourself establish a realistic image by mentally replacing existing furniture and furnishings with your own, essentially re-furnishing the property in your mind’s eye. Ditto for the aspirational bathroom products, fluffy towels, delicious smells of coffee / baking bread / scented candles!

In the same vein, do not allow fall for subconscious seduction. You are NOT buying the vendors’ lifestyle. If they’re sipping Champagne in the garden when you view the property at 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon, this is a scenario you should banish from your thought process. And remember, you will not inherit the sought after invitations, Grade 8 piano certificates, the angelic children on the photo wall, or the framed press cuttings when you move in. Brain train yourself by picturing the vendors packing all those precious things into a box on moving day leaving nothing but a slightly faded area of blank wall.

Beware too of some of the more underhand techniques. If a letter is left in full view evidencing anything to do with the property, its price, or any existing offers, DO NOT READ IT! You will be falling into a carefully placed trap and you will find yourself adapting your behaviour in response. No good can come of it. Likewise, if a neighbour turns up on the doorstep during your viewing bearing gifts of fresh produce or flowers from their impeccable garden, acknowledge that this could be a set up, and there’s a strong chance that the scenario will never be repeated, however long you live in the house.

Finally, know your priorities when it comes to external influences. A great pub, wonderful village shop, and desirable neighbours all play their part, but they come and go! Imagine one of them isn’t there – would it be a deal breaker? If the answer is ‘yes’, then the house is not for you.

If you know you’re a house-viewing pushover, take a hard-hearted, pragmatic friend or relative – or your friendly Buying Agent ! – to provide a reality check. If you like a house at the end of that process – ideally having viewed it on a gloomy, cold day – and you STILL like it, you can be confident that it should make it on to your shortlist. And then the REAL due diligence begins …. See here how Stacks can help you in that process too!

You may also be interested in

view more

UK Property Market – Post-election June 17 Comment

The great thing about property is that it transcends political cycles Comment from James Greenwood of Stacks Property Search  “If we were hoping to wake up to ‘strong and stable’, and some political and European certainty to get a sluggish property market onto its feet, it seems we have to wait a...

Spring/Summer 2017

Our message remains – ‘if you want to move, don’t hesitate, but start making arrangements to get into the market now.  There are some great properties out here at good prices.’  In our view, the uncertainties of the Brexit vote, a Trump Administration, Article 50, a potential Scottish Referendum etc. etc....

Spring ’17 Market Comment

Market Comment Spring 2017 by Property Experts Stacks Property Search Our message remains – ‘if you want to move, don’t hesitate, but start making arrangements to get into the market now.  There are some great properties out here at good prices.’ In our view, the uncertainties of the Brexit vote and a...

London Cycle

The importance of Cycle Routes to buyers is on the rise, especially for London househunters. London is becoming increasingly cycle friendly. Initiatives introduced by Boris Johnson when he was Mayor of London are encouraging commuters off public transport and onto two wheels. TfL estimate a 5% year on year increase in cycling...

Start your property search today

Call us on +44 (0) 1594 842880 or complete the form below

    Your Details



    Your property requirements:

    Status:
    SoldThinking of movingOn the marketExchangingIn rented accommodationCash buyerIn need of helpOther


    We will never share your details with a third party. For more information about how we handle your data, please see our Privacy Policy

    How we can help you

    View our property finder services

    When making probably the most important financial decision of your life, it pays to have the right advisors at your side.

    Property Finder Service

    We search high and low, on the market and off the market, and we keep hunting until we’ve found the right property for you. Next we negotiate the best price and terms on your behalf. And then we make sure you enjoy a hassle-free move.

    Downsizing or Resizing

    Retirement or semi-retirement is an exciting stage in life. Finding the right home to live in and enjoy it to the full is important. We know that and will do all that we can to understand what you’re looking for… before starting to search. And search we will, until we find the house of your dreams.

    Moving from Abroad

    Relocating is time consuming and stressful. We regularly work with clients who live abroad. We hunt, short-list, prepare your viewings, and make the search process as easy as possible. We oversee the negotiations, manage the conveyancing, and deal with the headaches, so you can concentrate on other aspects of your move.

    Holiday Home Hunt

    A holiday home is often an interesting mix of investment and heartfelt connection. You want to use it, but you may well also be keen for others to use it too. We can advise you on what factors to consider in making your decision. And we can then find the perfect holiday home for you to enjoy.

    Investing in UK Property

    Others say, ‘location, location, location’. We say, ‘location, purpose, price, capital growth, rental returns’… the list goes on. Knowing the market is critical. Local knowledge is key. We ensure all aspects of your investment decision are addressed. Finding, analysing, negotiating, and completing… it’s what we do.

    “You showed fantastic attention to detail, anticipated all eventualities, and provided timely and practical help and guidance every step of the way.  Above all, you supported me in making my own considered decisions, and I am so grateful to you for all your help in getting me to where I am now!”

    “We firmly believe that without Rachel and her skilled negotiation we would not have secured the property.”

    “We felt they genuinely wanted to help.”

    “Stacks’ performance on this assignment has been absolutely outstanding and more than met my expectations. Her understanding of the brief and the ‘after-find’ service set a standard of professionalism that I have not met before.”

    “It is not often that one is pleased to part with money but I can truthfully say that I am on this occasion. You have earned every penny of this cheque and what is more, you have done it with great courtesy and good humour. It has been very pleasant working with you. You really did take most of the stress out of our house hunting.”

    “Encouraging me to think creatively about what could work for me.”

    “Finding a plot not yet on the market and persuading the developer to enter into an exclusive contract with me to build to my specification.

    “I was impressed by the efficient, kind and courteous service provided by Stacks”

    “Stacks were a tremendous help and we would never have found our home without them. She is a lovely person with a great sense of humour which was essential during some of our tricky negotiations

    “You gave a much-valued ‘younger’ perspective on our situation, which was a real asset”

    “We found the service extremely helpful and professional at all times”

    “I have been delighted with the service I have received from Stacks and will not hesitate to recommend Stacks in the future.”

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Receive updates about the world of property, straight to your inbox.

    * indicates required