First impressions count when selling your property

When it comes to selling your property, first impressions are paramount. At best, a positive first impression can immediately entice a buyer to envisage themselves in your home, and at worst it can have them mentally strike your property from their list before they reach your front door.

Here’s why first impressions count when selling your property and how you can ensure your home puts its best foot forward from the outset.

The market is changing

It’s little secret the Australian property market is in transition. With a Federal Election pending and more stringent lending conditions in force, buyers are becoming more selective about the properties that pique their interest.

That means if you’re selling your home, you need to attract buyers’ attention from the outset, and the first impression that people take away from any inspection is critical in this process.

Buyers are quick to form an opinion

From the moment a prospective buyer pulls up outside your property they are forming important opinions that make or break a sale.

They’re taking in factors like the condition of the property, potential maintenance issues, and general street appeal, and this critical evaluation only continues when they enter a home.

Importantly, research indicates these first impressions take only 26 seconds to make, meaning a property owner has a very limited window of opportunity when it comes to getting it right.

So, what exactly makes a great first impression?

imsold property’s first impression checklist

1. Street appeal – How a property looks from the street is important for a number of reasons. In many cases, it determines whether a buyer will attend or organize an inspection. The property’s exterior also allows them to mentally assess whether a home is well cared for or will be complex to look after should they buy it. The exterior of a property should be neat and tidy, with lawns mown, gardens tended to and extraneous clutter such as children’s outdoor toys or vehicles removed. Meanwhile, the actual building should look well-kept, with clean windows, paths, porches and driveways, and a welcoming entry.
2. Problem-free – Even small problems raise a big red flag in a potential buyer’s eyes. So, for example, if your gutters are sagging, dirty or dripping, have them fixed. If your front door looks a little tired, consider having it repainted, or if there are chips and cracks from wear and tear in your interior paintwork, consider a fresh coat of paint. Also, if you have any incomplete projects, try to have them finished before selling your home. Attention to the little things prior to putting your home on the market indicates your property is “solid” and well cared for. It reassures the buyer they won’t be up for any additional work or costs repairing minor problems. More importantly, small problems tend to indicate there may be larger ones beneath the surface, and that can rule a property out in a buyer’s mind before they even walk through the door.
3. Warm and welcoming – For buyers, a first inspection is really about whether they can envisage themselves in a home. To ascertain that they need to view it in all its spacious, light, and bright glory. We recommend the interior of a home is clean and clutter-free, and on the day of an inspection, open up the curtains, windows, and blinds to allow in natural light and air. Also take a critical view of areas like your walls, skirtings, floors, and ceilings. Are they clean, free of marks, and in good repair? If not, you may want to consider freshening them up prior to the sale. In some cases, you may also want to turn your attention to tired or dated paint colors. It’s amazing the difference a contemporary, neutral coat of paint can make to the feel and look of a home.
4. Final touches – Small things really add up when it comes to how a property feels. Whether it’s a new set of throw cushions for your couch or a vase of flowers on the table, look to the final touches that add an emotive element to your home. These small accents are designed to spark a buyer’s imagination of what it would be like to live in this space. The nicer a property feels, the more likely it is to appeal.

A lasting impression

A first impression is a lasting one, and it doesn’t take significant time or financial outlay to ensure your property’s first impression is favorable.

Critically, when you get that all-important first impression right, you’re more likely to secure a second inspection, which in turn drastically increases the chances of swiftly selling your home.

About imsold property

At imsold property, we understand your property is part of your story. We’re here to help you write the next chapter with the honesty, reliability, and professionalism you deserve.

To learn more about us please click here.