When it comes to selling your home, first impressions count. From their first look and longing glance, buyers are forming opinions, opinions that can actually help or hinder the rest of the viewing. Don’t take our word for it – recent research suggests that it only takes seven seconds for a person to make a first impression, but what about your home?
According to Hitachi Personal Finance, the top five things people notice about a property are:
- Front door/porch
- Hallway/entrance hall/stairs
- Driveway/front garden
- Overall décor
- Living room
What is so interesting about this research is that a person’s focus is on how the property is presented from the exterior prior to the interior. Yet, when you are looking to prepare your home for sale, we imagine you are like the thousands of other sellers who prioritise the internal aspects of their home.
In the winter months it can be tricky to get the balance right with creating that warm and festive look without your home turning into a crazy decorations display. A word of warning: if you’re planning to place your property on the market within the next few weeks, we would advise that you contact us as soon as possible to get your photographs taken.
Why the urgency?
Taking photos when your home is in full-on festive mode makes them appear dated as soon as your property goes on the market, even if this is at the beginning of the year. Your home will be dragging a buyer’s focus back to Christmas by showcasing your choice of tinsel, rather than what your property has to offer a buyer.
Although photographs can only tell part of the story, they’re very important in catching a buyer’s eye and encouraging them to book a viewing. We know what a difference good photography can make, which is why professional photography is part of the service you receive when you sell any property through us.
It’s your turn
By providing professional photography we are doing what we can to ensure your home makes the right first impression, but you also have to do your bit. Even though the nights are cold and dark, you can still ensure the front of your home gives a warm and cosy welcome to any buyers coming for a viewing.
Think about lighting. If you don’t have an outside light, leave the curtains open and lights on so that the glow from your windows will brighten up their arrival. Adding fairy lights will create a magical atmosphere, and for a more sophisticated look position spotlights to highlight your garden’s best features.
Ensure that the paintwork on your door is refreshed, as a tired door leaves people thinking that this is what the rest of you home might be like. The colour of your door is the start of your home’s story and can say a lot about you and your family, so choose wisely. What do you want your front door to say about you?
Make an effort to clean and tidy up your front garden. Fallen leaves can be slippery and you don’t want any potential buyers having an accident before they have even stepped across the threshold.
Together we smash it
Working together with you we can ensure buyers form a memorable first impression, one that encourages them to view your property. With your preparation and our photographs, we can take one step closer to seeing your property sold.
If you would like more advice on how to prepare your home for sale, please contact your local branch of Bidmead Cook.