Why first impressions are important when selling your home

First impressions are important because they last beyond the moment.  The buyer’s first thought and feelings about your home may be the deciding factor for them to make an offer.  If you are selling your home, you must take advantage of this opportunity to present your home in the best possible light that can wow anyone.

Selling your home and how to make the best first impression

Styling your home to sell need not be expensive.  A few simple things can make all the difference in creating the right first impressions for potential buyers.  Here are the five golden rules for creating a good first impression when selling your home.

1. Highlight the Strengths and Downplay the Weaknesses

Phi Dang of Area Specialists in Keysborough recommends highlighting the parts of the home that will showcase its uniqueness and create a connection with the buyer you are targeting.

‘Every home has a buyer.  You need to know who your home will attract and do all the right things to show them that your property is the dream home they are looking for,’ according to Phi.

Phi advises having an in-depth discussion with your agent to identify the target market for your property.  Begin with a list of all the features in your home you think will appeal to the buyer.  At the same time create a list of the things you think may not make a good impression.  Make sure you include the street frontage and exterior of your home because those are the first things a buyer will see when they arrive at your address.  Once you have the list, you can use it as a guide to preparing your home for selling.  ‘The idea is to highlight your property’s best features and hide or disguise the flaws’, Phi explained.

Selling during a global pandemic means many real estate agents will resort to some online selling tools to promote your property.  Your agent can assist in finding a professional videographer and photographer.  Before the shoot, make sure that your property is in tip-top condition and the best features can be easily highlighted.

2. Create an Amazing Street Appeal

The decision to buy starts from the very moment a potential buyer sees your property. ‘People start to buy your home the moment they pull up the drive,’ according to Phi.  ‘If they like what they see outside and enter into a well-appointed interior, their interest in your property will be cemented,’ says Phi.  ‘If they are repulsed by what they see on the outside, everything else inside – no matter how nice – is not going to make an impression,’ he continues.

You don’t have to invest a fortune to create a superior street appeal.  Simple things like mowing the lawn, trimming the trees and hedges, and painting the fence go a long way in creating a good impression for buyers.

When styling your curb appeal, always stick with the classics.  You are trying to appeal to every buyer, so this is not the time to be quirky and different.

Here are some things you can do to create a gorgeous curb appeal or you can check our some amazing renovation ideas:

The front garden

• Mow the lawn
• Trim the trees and hedges
• Kill all the weeds
• Plant a flower bed
• Store away toys, bikes, and trikes
• Install a fence
• Install a new gate
• Paint an old fence and gate
• Install an attractive letterbox

The driveway

• Declutter and clear the driveway
• Park your car inside your garage or on the street
• Power wash driveway
• Fix potholes in the driveway

The front porch

• Declutter the porch – throw out old furniture, broken pots, etc
• Wash and polish the front door, floors, and walls
• Wash and polish tiles and paving
• Remove any trace of mould or mildew
• Paint an old porch
• Install a sensor security light
• Replace the old bulb in your porch with an eye-catching pendant light
• Paint your front door
• Replace an old iron screen with a timber door
• Include some swanky door accessories – for example, an antique knocker or brass door handles and knobs
• Use terracotta pots, hanging baskets and plants to accent the porch
• Dress up your porch furniture with a small pot of flowers, new cushions, throws and a small rug
• Place a welcome mat at the door

The garage

• Install a remote-control door
• Paint an old garage door
• Wash and clean the garage door
• Declutter the areas around the garage door

House exterior

• Fix the gutter
• Fix a broken roof
• Wash the walls and windows
• Fix any broken windows

3. Declutter and Tidy Your Property

‘A clean and tidy home sells’, according to Phi.  No buyer likes to be confronted by an untidy and cluttered home so make sure you get rid of all the ratty stuff before you list your property.

Things that should not be in sight during an inspection include toys, sports equipment (like balls, bats, nets, rackets, weights, yoga mats, and so forth), bicycles and trikes, kiddies swimming pool, water slide, broken equipment and furniture, brooms and mops, rubbish, wheelie bins, pet bedding and so forth.

4. Pay Attention to Detail

Details are important if you want to create an amazing first impression for buyers. If you want to accentuate your garden with a lovely flower bed, be sure to do your homework first.  The last thing you want is an amateurish look with mismatched colours and plants.  There is plenty of inspiration you can find online.  Check out gardening websites or Pinterest for inspiration.

When cleaning your home for inspection, take special care with the details. Clean every spot properly.  Buyers have a radar for dust and dirty marks.  While your newly painted door may look great, the buyer’s attention will be drawn to the dirty smudge marks on the door frame that you’d overlooked to clean.  Once the first impression is formed, you won’t get a second chance to change it.

5. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home

Find a real estate agent who is keen to work with you.  An agent who is knowledgeable about the market and can identify the type of buyers who will be attracted to your property is more likely to succeed in selling your property for the price you want.   Find an agent who is friendly, personable, and approachable.  They are part of the first impression.

Looking to buy in Keysborough or Noble Park?  Contact your Local Agent.