Did you know that when it comes to impressing a buyer, you have
just half a minute to knock their socks off?
Yes, you read that right. Most buyers decide if a property is
the one for them in the first 30 seconds of a viewing.
So, with so much at stake in that short time, how do you make a
good impression? Read on to find out.
Evidence versus emotions
First, let’s look at what drives the decision-making process. We
humans love to think of ourselves as rational beings, but in truth, emotion
drives most of our big decisions.
And our emotions are informed – often at a subconscious level –
by our five senses. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to what
buyers see, smell, hear or touch when they step through your front door (let’s
hope they don’t taste anything).
Here’s a good sense guide to prepping your home for viewings.
Sight – Make sure that the first thing a buyer sees is a clean,
light and bright space. Avoid turn-offs such as grubby walls and floors and
distracting personal items, such as family photos, clothes hanging on radiators
and shoes lying in the hall.
Smell – It’s easy to get used to certain ‘aromas’ when you live
with them, so ask a friend with a good nose for their honest opinion. If they
catch a whiff of damp drains, pets or stinky trainers, you need to act. Once
you’ve eliminated unpleasant scents, create an appealing one using candles or
diffusers. Stick to one fragrance – citrus, vanilla, cinnamon, jasmine or pine –
so you don’t overdo it.
Sound – Start by fixing off-putting sounds inside your property,
such as squeaky doors or floorboards, then turn your attention to external
noises. Traffic noise is hard to moderate, so if this is an issue, arrange
viewings when the roads are less busy. And if you’re worried about the
neighbour’s dog or children making a racket, leave a radio on to drown out
barking or squabbling.
Touch – Check surfaces are clean in case a buyer runs
their hand over furniture or countertops. Also, ensure your home is toasty. A
Harvard study found that when we feel warm, we experience a sense of emotional
wellbeing.
Taste – While a buyer is unlikely to taste anything in your
property (that would be really weird, right?),
remember our sense of taste and smell are closely intertwined, which is why it’s
so important to nail how your property smells.
For more advice
about marketing your home, contact us here at Ridgewater Sales and
Letting.