That suspiciously welcoming aroma
The smell of baking bread or brewing coffee isn’t an accident. Estate agents are well-versed in what psychologists call “olfactory manipulation,” and what the rest of us call “cheating.” The goal is to convince your brain this house is already your happy place.Pause for a moment if you catch a waft of pastry heaven. Ask yourself: is it really the house you like, or just the scent of croissants clouding your judgment? Take a deep sniff near less glamorous spots — like under the stairs or behind heavy furniture — where the house’s true fragrance might lurk.
Lights, mirrors, action
Another classic move is strategic lighting. Lamps will be on, curtains thrown wide, mirrors placed with sniper-level precision to make rooms seem twice their size. If the sun appears to be shining directly onto every surface, be suspicious.Test the lighting conspiracy by switching some lamps off or closing a curtain or two. Does the room still feel large and pleasant, or have you just punctured the optical illusion? Also, don’t be afraid to peer behind mirrors. Occasionally, they’re hiding suspicious cracks or worse: patches of rising damp trying to play hide-and-seek.
Furniture feng shui (or clever furniture camouflage)
Notice how the dining table is sized perfectly for a family of borrowers, or how that tiny sofa has somehow convinced you the living room is huge? Furniture is often shrunk or specially chosen to exaggerate space. It’s interior design trickery of the highest order.Here’s a simple test: check if you can walk comfortably around furniture without turning sideways like you’re squeezing past someone in a packed Tube carriage. Measure awkward spaces if you have to — your normal-sized sofa might not fit nearly as well.
The “don’t mind the clutter” distraction
Sometimes, homes are deliberately a little messy. A jacket on the chair, a cup left on the counter, children’s shoes near the door. It’s meant to say, “Look, real people live here! It’s charming and homey!” — and to distract you from actual problems like cracked tiles or scuffed skirting boards.Train your eyes to ignore the ‘life clutter’ and laser in on the physical state of the property. If you see a crack that could fit a playing card, make a note. If there’s a smell that’s been disguised under layers of fabric softener and potpourri, be wary. Clutter is noise; you need to hear the property’s true voice.
The one-room wonder trick
Estate agents know most buyers make their decision within the first five minutes, so they’ll often channel all their energy into staging one impressive room — usually the kitchen or lounge. Everything else might be quietly falling apart while you’re busy admiring the rustic oak countertops.Don’t let yourself be hypnotised by one showpiece. Open every door, even if it feels intrusive. Inspect every bedroom, bathroom, and even the questionable storage cupboard under the stairs. If the rest of the house looks like an afterthought, it probably is.
How to spot the real red flags
Beyond the smoke and mirrors (sometimes literally), there are some practical checks that will tell you more than any artful fruit bowl arrangement ever could. Bring a phone charger and check if sockets work. Feel walls for damp. Glance at the skirting boards for signs of pests.If you’re feeling bold, and a little mischievous, try these quick checks:
- Run the tap at full blast and flush the toilet at the same time — see if the water pressure holds up.
- Knock on the walls lightly — hollow sounds can mean hidden surprises.
- Peek behind curtains and blinds for mould or cracked window seals.
Asking the awkward questions
You’re not there to make friends. Don’t hesitate to ask why the current owners are moving. Press for details about how long the property has been on the market. If it’s been bouncing between listings like a bad penny, you’ll want to know why.Also, ask bluntly about the neighbours. Agents are legally required to disclose major disputes if they know about them. (Though you might have to ask twice and look them dead in the eye.)
Closing the (trap)door
Viewing a home isn’t just about falling in love with pretty surfaces and the smell of artisan sourdough floating on the air. It’s a small battle of wits between you and professionals trained to make you see only what they want you to see.Stay sharp, stay nosy, and don’t be afraid to commit minor acts of investigation that would make Sherlock Holmes raise an eyebrow in approval. The right home won’t need trick lighting or eau de pastry to win you over — it’ll stand up to the glare of reality all by itself.
Article kindly provided by removaldirectory.co.uk