As an Estate or Letting agent, you’re accustomed to guiding clients through the process of finding their dream home. However, when clients bring their children along for viewings, it adds a new dynamic to the experience. While children can bring energy and excitement to the house-hunting journey, they can also present challenges that need to be managed effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for estate agents on how to handle viewings when clients bring their kids along.
They might cause problems for you or lead their parents to overlook potential issues with the property, especially if they are fond of it.
1. Acknowledge the Situation
First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept that children will be part of the viewing experience. Understand that they may not share the same level of enthusiasm for the property as their parents and may exhibit behavior that is typical for their age.
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2. Set Expectations
Set clear expectations with your clients about the behavior you expect from their children during the viewing. Remind them to supervise their children closely and to respect the property and its furnishings and it’s their responsibility to ensure that there is no damage to the property by mistake. Touching any item in the house should be prohibited in all cases. I have seen a case where the agent gave permission to the viewer to check house electrics and trust me it didn’t go well at all.
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3. Be Prepared
Before the viewing, communicate with your clients about the presence of children and discuss any concerns or preferences they may have. Prepare for the viewing by selecting properties that are child-friendly, with safe outdoor spaces or nearby parks where children can play. Providing them with sweets or candy is not advisable as it can lead to a messy situation rapidly.
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4. Engage the Children
During the viewing, make an effort to engage with the children and involve them in the process. Offer to show them features of the property that may appeal to them, such as a spacious backyard or a room that could be converted into a playroom. Ensure that the parents do not leave them unsupervised while focusing on the viewing, which they tend to unfortunately.
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5. Be Patient
Children can be unpredictable, and their behavior may not always align with your expectations. Practice patience and remain flexible throughout the viewing process. Allow the children to explore the property within reason and accommodate any breaks they may need. Maintain composure, as children may occasionally test your patience.
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6. Offer Solutions
If the children become restless or disruptive during the viewing, offer solutions to help manage the situation. Suggest taking a short break outside or providing toys or coloring books to keep them occupied.
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7. Follow Up
After the viewing, follow up with your clients to discuss their thoughts and impressions of the property. Take the opportunity to address any concerns they may have raised during the viewing, including any issues related to their children.
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Conclusion:
Viewings with children can present unique challenges for Estate and Letting Agents, but with the right approach, they can also be an opportunity to provide exceptional service to your clients. By acknowledging the presence of children, being prepared, engaging with the children, setting expectations, practicing patience, offering solutions, and following up after the viewing, estate agents can effectively navigate viewings with families and ensure a positive experience for all involved.
