If you’re already trying to sell your home or are even considering it, try this exercise. Go outside and take a moment to clear your head. Act as if you are now a house hunter instead of a house seller. Now step through your front door with the mindset that you have never seen this home before. What do you see? How does it feel? How does it smell? Whether you like it or not, buyers are going to make a lot of decisions within the first seven seconds of seeing a home.
This is what we call the Seven Second Rule in real estate. Luckily for you, we’ve got some quick tips to help you make the most of those first seven seconds.
Neutral Paint Colors
Will the buyer see more than two bold paint colors when they enter? If so, it’s probably time to rethink your paint color scheme. Neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience, so keep that in mind as you choose your colors.
Cleanliness
It seems obvious, but the details matter. A little smudge on a wall or a few pet hairs can give a potential buyer the impression that the home has not been well kept. It can be tough to keep your home spotless, especially if you’re still living in it when it’s up for sale. Do your best to stay on top of it and do a walkthrough before potential buyers visit. This includes the smell and making sure your entryway is free of shoes, keys, and mail. You want your home to feel like a model home.
Exterior
This comes before the seven seconds inside your home, so make sure the exterior is inviting. Keep bushes and hedges neatly trimmed and think about adding some seasonal plants and a welcome matt at the entrance. Also, take a look at your front door. What kind of shape is it in? Does it need to be repainted? Maybe it needs to be upgraded completely. Look into modern door ideas and find one that fits in nicely with the exterior of your home.
Outdated Fixtures
Take a good look at your interior and exterior light fixtures. Then, do some research into current lighting trends. How closely do your fixtures resemble what’s trending? If it’s very far off, you should consider replacing those fixtures.
After going through these tips and updating some aspects of your home, try the exercise again. We’re betting that those first seven seconds feel much better now!
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