Preparing for an ideal viewing
by an IdealHouseshare resident.
So you live in a flat or a house with a spare room? Better get prepared for viewings then. Potentially exciting stuff, because this person could be a future best friend (or future arch nemesis), so it’s best to nail the viewing.
You probably remember looking round houses yourself. And let’s face it, you made your mind up pretty quickly, didn’t you? It’s only human. First impressions are everything in a viewing. You know the sort of things – What’s that smell? Is there always such a mountain of dishes? What’s that pissed up idiot doing asleep on the sofa?
Thing is, you’re going to be spending a lot of time with this person, so you want to make sure you get someone compatible.
I’ve been living in houseshares for a few years now and had a few thoughts on this. So here are some pointers I’ve put together to help you get the housemate of your dreams.
Clean it.
Clean people want to move into clean houses. If you live in a house share you probably want to be living with clean people. See where I’m going with this?
This may be the most important time you ever run a vac across the carpet, because you’re going to be giving a clear sign to the person you could be soon living with. This could be make or break time between living with a domestic god/goddess or a person who likes to let everyone know what they’ve had for dinner by leaving their leftovers on the side for the rest of the week.
Either way, the best way of avoiding a pain in the arse housemate is to just give it a once over.
Cut the Clutter
Clutter tends to make rooms look smaller. It means a quick move around can make your place look like a Grand Design in no time. Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but it’ll certainly look more appealing.
Be in
People aren’t just interested in the house, they’re interested in the housemates. That’s why it’s always a good idea to meet the viewer. You can even show them around to add a bit of personality to your home. This is also your chance to see if you like the person moving in and think they’d be a good fit.
Question Time
Interested potential housemates usually ask questions and since these people may be living with you soon, honesty is probably the best policy. They always ask whether or not it’s a ‘social house’, something there’s no point lying about – unless you fancy giving this person a nasty shock when they move in. Sometimes they ask about the area – if you live in Didsbury you can just tell the truth, if you live in Withington you can just tell them Didsbury is close.
It’s also a good opportunity to ask them some questions, but remember this isn’t an interview – you don’t need to know where they see themselves in five years’ time.
You will almost certainly forget
I always do anyway. Not that much of a problem unless you like to cook naked or something (you know who you are).
That’s it
And that’s all I can think of. Be clean. Be nice. Be present. Simple stuff really. Take these very obvious tips on board and you might soon be welcoming someone decent home.
Good luck, that ideal housemate is out there!