You have arranged all the ornaments to just the right angle and have the cushions plumped just so. Your house for sale is ready. But this is the time to relax the rules. Let your prospective buyers sit, walk (with shoes on if they whish \u2013 if this is not too extreme for you), and set their mug down where they like. If you are hovering in the background with a critical eyebrow-raise and a cloth to wipe up water rings from the coffee table, they may get the impression that you are not quite ready to hand over the keys to your precious home.<\/p>\n
Of course, this means that you do have to run around cleaning up and plumping cushions again after each visitor leaves. When the next people arrive, they need to be made feel special and don\u2019t need to be reminded by dirty cups in the sink that they are just one in a string of people (hopefully) coming to view the place.<\/p>\n
This can give you an idea of what to talk about and what might be especially appealing to them about your home or its location. If you learn that their mother tongue is different to yours, you should learn a few words in their language. This really helps a person to feel appreciated. The key ones are obviously \u201chello\u201d, \u201cthank you\u201d and \u201cgoodbye\u201d. If you can manage \u201cWould you like a drink?\u201d that would be very special.<\/p>\n
It can also be helpful to know a little bit about their cultural background. Some cultures love to talk and chat, others respect silence. Of course, individuals are individual, but you can be prepared so that you don\u2019t seem disappointed or offended if your efforts at small talk are not reciprocated.<\/p>\n
Be ready with the kettle on for tea and hot chocolate or, if you\u2019re feeling really brave, even some mulled wine!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"