First impressions really do matter. Most potential buyers will know within a few moments whether or not they are interested in your house. So what should you do when you have only seconds to impress? Here are some of the best tips we’ve discovered that will help you make a great first impression when you’re selling your home.
Take a photo
The first thing that most buyers will see is an online photo of your home. Before you do anything, take a photo of your home’s exterior. What do you see? Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes. Is this a home I would like to see more of? Or does it leave something to be desired? By taking a photo, you can get a good sense of where you’re starting from and where you need to go.
Spruce up the exterior
Once you’ve taken that photo, it’s time to get to work on your home’s exterior. It’s usually the first picture that buyers will see, and it’s the first thing they see when they pull up to the curb for a showing. The exterior needs to be inviting. Clean up the yard and trim trees and bushes. Fix any broken fences, tricky steps, or burned-out lights. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint. Invest in some colorful plants to place around the front door. A small investment of time and money can pay off exponentially.
Clean the inside
Now that you’ve spruced up the exterior, it’s time to focus on the interior. Declutter and depersonalize every room. Take time to deep clean the entire house. If necessary, hire a professional cleaning service if you’re not feeling up to the task. The inside needs to sparkle!
Stage like a pro
After you’ve cleaned up the inside, it’s time to stage it like a pro. No matter what your personal tastes are, you need to start thinking like a buyer. Potential buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home. Paint your rooms neutral colors and use tasteful furnishings. Arrange rooms so that it’s obvious what it is used for. Set the dining room table. Open all the curtains and turn on all the lights. You want to make the house feel as bright and spacious as possible.
Appeal to the senses
Don’t just limit your staging to what you can see. Buyers will experience your home with all their senses. Do a smell test. Do you smell anything funky, like pet odors? Make sure to eliminate foul odors and replace them with something pleasing, such as flowers or baking cookies. Play some soft music. Add soft blankets to beds and couches. Make the interior comfortable and inviting.
Use high quality photos
Finally, once you’ve spruced up both the interior and exterior, take high-quality photos for your listing. Make sure to highlight any of the amenities, such as a great back porch or a basement entertainment room. Use plenty of light and capture each room from different angles. Those photos will help potential buyers decide whether or not they want to see your home in person. Investing in good photos is a must.
