What makes a buyer fall in love with a home?

Sure you love your home, but what is the secret to making potential buyers fall for it too?

First Impressions

“The styling and marketing of your home should be geared towards that first impression,” says Beth Mitchell from RE/MAX. “At this point they aren’t looking at floor plans or taking in details. They are after the right ‘feel’ which can only be created through aesthetics, ambience and presentation.”

Statistically, you have just eight seconds for potential buyers to fall deeply in love, and creating the right feel, says Mitchell, can be as simple as recalling what you felt when you bought the property. “What gave you that ‘home’ feeling?” she says. “Did it smell good, feel peaceful or was it well-organised? Get your head in that space and remember that feeling, then think about the actions that can replicate that.”

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Colour

Start by ensuring your colour palette appeals to your broadest buyer pool. “White, off-white, cream or grey paint on the walls and mid-tone floor colours like grey or taupe are perfect,” says Justine Wilson from Vault Interiors. “If you’re staining floorboards, pick mid-tone stains like walnut, grey or oak. They have universal appeal.” Sara Chamberlain from The Real Estate Stylist agrees, and says a nod to current trends gives your property a contemporary edge. “Evergreen, silver greys, gum and black are strong options for feature walls and front doors,” she says. “Creating a point of difference boosts emotional attachment and these palettes feel fresh, open and calming.”

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Layered lighting

Warm welcoming light is the first thing buyers sense on arrival. “Brighter homes always present better than darker ones,” agrees Wilson. “Open windows, push back blinds, and if you lack natural light turn on all overhead lights, table and floor lamps. Use mirrors to reflect and bounce light around – especially in darker rooms or transitional areas. It will make your property feel larger too.”

Keep it Impersonal

Wilson says displaying too many personal touches can distract and isolate buyers. “Declutter pin boards and put away really personal items,” she says. “Present a homely feel that isn’t associated to any particular individuals. It allows buyers to properly imagine themselves there, and the property will appeal to them more.”

Call in the Pros

Whilst styling comes naturally to some, it doesn’t to others and can mean make or break come inspection day. “A professional property stylist can rejig your home to promote better flow, and introduce abstract art and décor,” says Wilson, “and they are the elements that make all the difference.” Whilst some don’t want to spend additional money, others consider it an investment. “Hiring a professional gives your property the best chance of appealing to more buyers and securing a better sales price.” she says.

On the Day

If you have been living in the house during your campaign, come open day, it should be spick and span. “Prepare for a full pre-sale clean for at least two weekends before each open,” advises Chamberlain. If the hard work is done prior, it can also settle open day jitters. “This is the moment you and your agent have been preparing for,” says Mitchell. “On the day it should be merely about tweaking and creating that all important ‘feel’ that is going to see buyers fall in love when they walk through the door.”

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