The First Seconds Matter: Why Preparing Your Home Before Listing is Critical
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren’t just important — they’re everything.
Research shows that buyers form an emotional impression of a home
within the first 7 to 10 seconds of walking through the door. Those initial moments set the tone for the entire showing, and they often influence whether a buyer can picture themselves living there.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
- 79% of buyers say the first impression of a home is key to their decision-making.
- Homes that are professionally staged and prepared spend 50% less time on the market than unstaged homes.
- Staged and well-prepared homes sell for an average of 6–10% more than homes that aren’t.
When buyers step into a home that feels clean, spacious, and move-in ready, they’re more likely to connect emotionally with the property, focus on the features instead of the flaws, and perceive higher value, which can translate into better offers. On the other hand, small distractions like clutter, odors, dated paint, or worn flooring can linger in a buyer’s mind and lower their enthusiasm and their offer.
Selling your home is a major milestone. Those first few seconds can make all the difference. If you’re thinking of selling, let’s talk about a customized preparation plan that will help your home stand out and attract top-dollar offers! It is what we do!
