# Situational Selling Tips

## Selling With Children

- **Family meeting** — involve the children (age-appropriate). Explain what's happening and why. Children who feel included are more cooperative
- **Blank canvas approach** — gradually reduce personalisation in children's rooms. Buyers need to see a bedroom, not a shrine to a specific child's interests
- **Toy management** — invest in storage that hides quickly. Viewings often come at short notice
- **Viewing scheduling** — arrange viewings during school hours or nap times where possible. It's calmer for everyone
- **Garden** — trampolines and climbing frames are fine if the garden is tidy. They show the garden is functional for families

## Selling With Pets

### Dogs
- **During viewings** — take them out. Not everyone loves dogs, and some buyers are anxious around them
- **Smell** — wash pet beds regularly, air the house, and clean carpets. Pet owners go nose-blind to their own home's scent
- **Damage** — fix scratched doors, worn carpets near dog flaps, muddy wall marks
- **Garden** — fill any holes, clean up thoroughly, check fences look secure

### Cats
- **Litter trays** — clean or hidden (ideally both) during viewings
- **Scratching damage** — repair or cover where possible
- **Hair** — lint-roll soft furnishings before viewings

### Other Pets
- **Fish tanks** — clean and well-maintained, they can actually add to the ambience
- **Cages (birds, rabbits, hamsters)** — clean, odour-free, ideally in a non-primary room
- **Reptiles** — some buyers find vivaria off-putting. Keep them clean and contained, and perhaps mention to the agent so viewers aren't surprised

## Seasonal Selling

### Spring
- Best time for garden properties — everything is coming alive
- Open windows for fresh air before viewings
- Light, fresh staging — pastel accents, fresh flowers

### Summer
- Maximise outdoor space — set up the garden as an extension of living space
- Keep the house cool — close curtains on sun-facing rooms before viewings
- Evening viewings can show off the garden in golden hour light

### Autumn
- Cosy staging — warm throws, candles (unlit for safety, but present), warm lighting
- Ensure heating is on for viewings — a cold house in autumn kills enthusiasm
- Clear fallen leaves from paths and garden

### Winter
- **Warmth is everything** — heating on, fires lit if applicable
- Lighting — every lamp on, exterior lights on for evening viewings
- Winter can actually work well for cosy, character properties
- Acknowledge the season — "Imagine this garden in the summer" is powerful when paired with good summer photos from the marketing