Here's How to Get It Right When Showing Your Ski Chalet to a Prospective Buyer

Guest post from The Viewing, international luxury property specialists.

Just five minutes after stepping out of the car can be enough to fall in love with a wonderful mountain home and know you want to buy it!

That said, some preparation and planning is required to make the very best impression to prospective buyers. First, don't presume that the viewing will be a quick affair. As an indication, for an independent house with some outside space, be prepared that the visit could take at least an hour and often longer.

Whether you are showing your property yourself - or if the appointed agent is showing the property - the drill needs to be the same.

The Preparation

The preparation, we've all heard the tricks of baking bread or brewing coffee so a nice aroma floods through the house, maybe cliches but certainly good ideas. In addition, get those fires roaring, the heating pumping, pin back the shutters and turn on every light throughout the house, regardless of how strong the sun is outside.

The Approach

Don't be fooled into thinking the viewing starts at the actual property. The approach road and the views to either side say a lot about the property so this bit you need to get right too. If there are two approach routes, one prettier than the other, or if the road is somewhat tricky (steep, unpaved etc) it could be worth meeting the prospective buyer in the nearby village and escorting them to the property, either following you or better still they come in the car so they can appreciate the surroundings, rather than concentrating on driving. If there has been a recent snowfall make sure the road is well cleared and salted and also the driveway area.

Arrival At The Property

On arrival, park up or, if driving separately, encourage the buyer to park up in the very best spot so when they step out of the car they get the best impact of the exterior of the chalet and the impact of the views.

View of Zermatt & Matterhorn at night

Hold that position! Make some small talk, make those introductions, linger and let them take it all in!

Entering The House

Enter the house by the doorway which leads into the most impressive room of the chalet, this may not be the front door but seeing as first impressions last make sure you enter a room/hallway which gives a sense a warmth/grandeur/authenticity.

The Don'ts

No need to point out minor problems. A first viewing is to get a sense of the property as a whole. That small damp patch or broken door can be shown on a second viewing or will come up in the survey.
Don't linger in smaller rooms or corridors
Don't have too many personal photos and trinkets on display.

The Dos

De-clutter so the chalet is spic and span.
White linen on the beds
Open all the shutters
Have the heating pumping and all the fires lit and roaring
Turn on all the lights, yes that's right bedside lamps and all.
Load up those fruit bowls and vases of flowers so the sideboards and tables look welcoming
Position chairs by windows and terraces to best appreciate the views and surroundings, creating an ambiance of relaxation
Linger in the best spots - just happen to break into conversation by the French doors onto the terrace with those fabulous panoramic views as a backdrop!
Point out things that could be added to the property. For example, have you got planning consent to add an indoor pool, is there a spot in the garden where you have thought about adding a seating area? Even those buyers intent on buying a fully completed property become enthused by the idea of being able to personalise a property or indeed add further value.

Be prepared ... if it happens to be love at first sight you may be asked numerous questions – running costs, planning consents, annual taxes, distances to services (such as hospitals, golf clubs etc), potential rental income per annum. Have all of this info to hand just in case these questions arise. Equally be conscious not to bombard the prospective buyer with information.

Ski Chalet Interior Design

On Leaving

Give the prospective buyer a brochure to take away so they can flick through the photos to reflect later on. Make sure the photos are really eye-catching and include some floor plans and a land map. Bear in mind that it is likely they will be viewing numerous properties before making a decision so the more eye catching the brochure the better so they don't forget your chalet when it comes to short-listing or indeed choosing 'the one'.

Most Importantly

Let them leave feeling the same enthusiasm you have for the property. Share those special secrets with them as to why you bought the property and your favourite moments and times of year at the property.

With just a little preparation and a few strategic 'lingers' there is no one better to show your property than yourself - no one knows your home better than you, so why should anyone show your home but you.

You can contact The Viewing here to discuss a luxury ski property purchase or private sale.