Per Barbara:
"Buyers decide within 8 seconds whether they are interested in your home."According to LaNita Cates of Re/MAX Realty of Joliet who said in her blog on Active Rain, "I'm not surprised by this at all. It's the first impression when walking in and hearing "Wow, this is cute" or "Ugh, what is that smell?" This pretty much sums up the next few minutes of the tour of that home.
I always tell my buyers that they will know when they walk in if this is their home or not. If they aren't feeling it within the first 10 seconds, let's move on. They never believe me... AT FIRST. But usually by the 4th house they agree that they know pretty much immediately if they are interested or not when walking in the door. So buyers pretty much know. Sellers - remember that! That first impression (or at least the first 8 seconds) can decide whether the buyer is interested in your home."
I agree with this whole-heartedly. There are a lot of factors that go into the decision to purchase a home. However, potential buyers make up their mind quickly whether they are interested or not. Besides, curb appeal and staging, embedded house smells will make a buyer scatter faster than you can say "P - U"!
Sellers, it pays to have drapes and carpets cleaned or replaced and minimize "fragrant" cooking practices. Adorn the house with fresh flowers and bake cookies in the oven before home showings if possible.
As I opened the door to my last home purchase, it swung open on a cantilever hinge. I realized at that moment, I was thoroughly hooked on that house. The "Wow Factor" overwhelmed me in such a positive fashion that little things were overlooked. My first impression was that this house was built with custom quality amenities and I wanted to see more! It was if I had put on "rose colored" glasses. Needless to say, I worked magic to make that house mine.
As we all know, eight seconds is a very short window of time, so concentrate your efforts on curb appeal and the first 8 seconds as you enter the front door before moving through the rest of the home. Make the buyers want to wear "rose colored" glasses!
You can find other home buying and selling tips on eSedona.biz .
