When it comes to selling property, first impressions count! How your home is perceived by potential buyers in the first few minutes of their viewing can critically determine the outcome at the other end of the sale process. With that in mind, in this week’s blog we’re going to share some tips to help ensure your property gives a great first impression.

Photography Counts – Before you can make first impressions count, you need to make first impressions count! And that starts with your listing’s images. Good real estate photography is one of the reasons that buyers will turn up to an open viewing. At Bayleys Marlborough, we’re proud to work with the best of the best when it comes to photography, but there are things you can do to ensure our photographers have a great canvas to work with. Before arranging the appointment for your images to be taken, think about the time of day that your home gets the most amount of natural light, that’s a good time to have your images taken. Clear the clutter from surfaces and corners for clean images. Add some colour to the occasion with some fresh flowers for the photoshoot. Staging doesn’t have to mean an entire redecoration, it can just be some simple thoughtful tweaks.

Create Kerb Appeal – When you’re selling property, remember that your potential purchasers first impressions will register before they even cross the threshold of your home. Many interested parties will arrange a drive by before they even book a viewing or attend an open home so creating great kerb appeal is vitally important. Again, it’s not difficult to ensure you make the most of what you have. Give your fence some tender, loving care. Tidy up the garden and driveway, and ensure you’re viewers can make an entrance! If you’re thinking of selling, one of the quickest and easiest makeovers you can give your home is a fresh coat of paint to your front door. This blog from the archives might offer you some inspiration on which colour to choose.

Over The Threshold – Once your prospective buyers have decided to schedule a visit and made it up the garden path, it’s time to show them a warm welcome. As they walk through your door they won’t just visually assess your property, every sense will be attuned as they consider whether this could be their new home. Get your Goldilocks on… Ensure your home isn’t too cold, or too hot. Smells can break a deal faster than they can make one. Eliminate any bad odours, from pets or rubbish bins. Open the windows in your kitchen on the morning of your viewing to be sure you have removed any lingering cooking odours. Play some soft background music and turn off your appliances (washing machine and dish washer). If you’re by a road keep the windows on that side of the house closed for the duration of the viewing.

If you’re considering selling property get in touch with Bayleys Marlborough so we can offer you a complimentary appraisal and help you make those first impressions count!