How to Help Your Home Make a Great First Impression
It’s hard to deny the power of a first impression. Especially when it comes to a real estate listing! Whether you’re browsing online or driving by the property and notice a for sale sign, the initial appearance can absolutely leave a lasting impression.
One that may impact your motivation to book a viewing or consider living there.
To help your home make an impeccable first impression while listed on the market, there are a number of things that you can do. Let’s take a look at them, shall we?
Dedicate Time to Curb Appeal
The curb appeal of your home refers to how appealing your home is from the outside.
There are a few things that you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home. The first is by removing any clutter or garbage, and disposing of it properly. Speaking of garbage, if your garbage can or recycling bin is visible from the street, we suggest moving them around back if possible.
Keeping your lawn cut, maintained and watered is essential to good curb appeal, as an overgrown, brown or weedy lawn can really put a damper on how your home looks. This also goes for maintaining your garden, too!
Other things you may want to consider include:
Painting your front door
Replacing your home numbers or mailbox
Adding a front door mat
Including seating or a seasonal planter
Installing exterior lighting
When in doubt, keep things simple and neutral!
Professional Photography and Videography
In recent years, more and more prospective home buyers are looking for homes online. The best way to highlight and market your home online?
Professional photography and videography!
From the entryway to the basement, the right approach to photography and videography can help potential buyers to better explore your home prior to a viewing.
Not only can this help to highlight the best features of your home, but it can also help to produce better-quality leads, meaning that you will be booking viewings with more serious buyers who are genuinely interested in the listing.
Install Proper Lighting
You might be surprised at just how much lighting can impact your space. Both exterior and interior lighting should be taken into consideration when boosting the appeal of your home.
Exterior lighting can help to improve the visibility of your home once the sun has gone down. This is especially important during the winter months, when the sun tends to set a little earlier than in the summertime.
When updating your exterior lighting, you may want to consider in-ground lights, string lights, garden lights, stair lights, or motion-sensored lights.
Heading inside, the right approach to lighting can truly improve the overall appearance and experience. I suggest maintaining a good balance between overhead and ambient lighting. This can help to ensure that there is more than enough light for when you need it most, and ambient lighting to help set the mood.
With interior lighting, it’s key that you find the perfect balance between warm and cool lighting. I suggest speaking with the experts at your local home improvement store to find the perfect light bulbs for your space!
Maintain a Clean Space
There is nothing quite like entering a clean home. When a home looks like, smells clean and feels clean, it’s easy to feel comfortable and welcomed.
I suggest navigating through your home room by room to remove garbage, clear clutter and clean the space. When cleaning, aim to clean from top to bottom. Starting with cabinets and countertops, and finishing with the floors, this will help to ensure that any dust or debris that falls to the floor is cleaned away.
Once your home appears and smells clean, it’s time to light a candle and relax in your beautiful space! I’m sure that potential buyers will enjoy a clean home just as much as you do.
Inviting Entryway
Maintain the great first impression achieved through curb appeal, with an inviting entryway!
Never underestimate the power of a well-lit, clean and organized entryway. This can help your guest or potential buyer to feel comfortable and welcomed from the moment they step through the front door.
With a great approach to organization, you can also make it easier for them to remove their shoes and coat as well, with a space to place their shoes, hang a coat and place their bag.
Nothing should obstruct their entrance into your home. In fact, an open-concept space can help the home to feel larger from the very start. Finish it off with a vase of fresh-cut flowers and candle or scented wall-plug to offer a lovely scent!
Items to Include and Avoid
It’s hard to deny, certain items can truly make or break a room. Here is what to include and avoid when staging, cleaning and preparing your space!
Include
Candles
Throw pillows
Artwork
Flowers
Table decor
Books
Plants
Avoid
Stained furniture or carpets
Dirty hand towels
Full laundry baskets
Cobwebs
Dying plants
Cat litter boxes
Dirty dishes in the sink
While your home is on the market, it’s very important to keep it clean and tidy at all times.
Listing Your Home With Sonia Oliveira
With many years of experience, I would be happy to help you list and sell your home. I specialize in Kitchener, Waterloo and surrounding areas. From Cambridge and Guelph, to Elora, Ayr and beyond, I can help you navigate your local real estate market with ease!
To get started, contact me today! For more information or helpful resources, take a look at the other articles in my blog.
I can’t wait to help you get started!
