First Impressions

In the property market, First Impressions count, and how your property is presented from the outside and inside, can make a big difference in how potential buyers will see your property. On average, a potential buyer will decide within 30 seconds if they want to buy the house or not.

With properties being marketed through various mediums, the way your property is presented is crucial.

The way your property is presented from the outside, will set up the way a potential buyer feels about the property before they come in for their first viewing. Many potential buyers are known for a ‘drive-by’ in advance, to get a first look at the outside of the property beforehand. Maintaining a proactive approach and keeping things neat and tidy, will make a big difference in the first impression your property gives.

A few things to keep in mind:

·       Make sure your lawn is cut.

·       Pressure wash your driveway.

·       Clean your windows and their surroundings.

·       Bring back to life any woodwork by painting and giving it a fresh look.

·       Dependent on the weather, colourful flowers in the front lawn go a long way.

·       If you don’t have a front lawn, think about placing hanging baskets to give that colourful welcome.

·       Solar Panel lighting can create a nice effect at night.

·       Clear out any weeds.

·       If you normally squeeze several cars onto your driveway, try parking around the corner to give your potential buyers space to pull in as if they already live there.

·       Replace your front door if it looks tired, having a welcoming fresh font door, invites your potential buyer with a positive mindset.

Presentation

The most successful viewing is when the potential buyer can see themselves living in the property and can also relate to the property as it is now. Here are some tips on how you can do this:

• Having the concept of less is more throughout the house is key. A potential buyer will often be imagining how their own furniture will fit in each room. If your room is full of your belongings, this can make it difficult for a potential buyer to visualise this. Make sure you declutter, to allow a sense of space and a blank canvas for your buyer.
• Lighting plays an important part in a viewing, especially with the recent sunny weather. Make sure your windows are cleaned from both inside and outside, open any blinds or curtains before your potential buyer arrives. If your viewing is in the evening, make sure that your lighting is cosy in key rooms. For example, soft lighting in a living room alongside some candles can go a long way. In the kitchen, make sure that all lights are switched on to allow your potential buyer to imagine themselves cooking. Essentially create an individual space for each room in your house.
• Over the last few years, Kitchens have become a family room, where all the family congregates not only to eat, but where children do homework, adults catch up on work and so on. Make your kitchen feel like a family room. Clean all your surfaces and cabinet doors, and only leave key items on the kitchen surfaces.
• Whether you have a separate dining room, a combined dining area with your kitchen or both, make these presentable by setting your dining table. Place your best plates, cutlery and napkins. 
• Present your Bathroom by only keeping a few items on show. Make sure your soap dispenser is full and try and fold your towels in a presentable way. There are many YouTube videos that show you how to do this.

Having a presentable property will allow great photos to be taken to market your property online, across multiple property portals and Social Media Platforms.

First impressions make a big difference both online and offline, so make sure your property is presentable.

Whether you are looking to Buy, Sell or Let, speak with a property expert today by calling us on 0116 266 9977!