The 30 Second Rule

One of the truisms of real estate is that upon entering a house, buyers make up their mind in the first 30-60 seconds.  The rest of the time in the house is spent justifying their first emotional reaction. 

Without question, the exterior and interior entry areas and any rooms that can be seen upon entering the house need to look their best.  The entry area must make a good first impression because you are never given a second chance to make a good first impression.  If the house is messy, cluttered, or confusing to the potential buyer, odds are they will not be back.  And you’ve lost a real sales opportunity!  . 

Put yourself in the role of the potential buyer looking at this house and ask these types of questions:

·         Is the landscaping well-kept and consistent with the house and the neighborhood? 

·         Are the porch and steps clear, clean and inviting? 

·         Is there a relaxed, warm and peaceful feeling when you walk in the door?

·         Does the house have a clean and fresh smell?

·         Are all areas within sight of the entry area visually appealing?

·         Are those rooms properly light?

·         Does the front door hardware have a nice feel and is the air temperature comfortable?

·         Will this house pass the “30 Second Rule”? 

If there are too many negative answers to these questions, then the cost in professional home staging may be an investment needed to sell this house more quickly and for the best possible price.

Buyers want to walk-in a professionally staged home (inside and out).  And once in, they want to see more.  Most importantly, buyers imagine living in that house and making it their home.  When a house is professionally staged, it is more likely that buyers will make an offer and buy that house.  And in the end, isn’t that why the house was on the market in the first place?

Dwell in possibilities!

Cindy