When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. While you may have spent time repainting walls or upgrading your kitchen, potential buyers are often influenced by the subtle, seemingly minor details – the ones that are easily missed by sellers. In this article, we explore what buyers really notice during a property viewing and how you can use that knowledge to your advantage.
Smell: The Scent of a Sale
The moment a buyer steps through the door, their senses are on high alert – and that includes their sense of smell. You might have become nose-blind to your home’s natural odour, but visitors won’t be.
Common issues include:
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Lingering pet smells
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Damp or musty odours
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Cooking smells (especially from spicy or fried food)
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Overpowering artificial air fresheners
Tip: Before viewings, open the windows for a good airing out. A gentle, natural scent like freshly brewed coffee, baked bread, or citrus can make your home feel more inviting. Avoid masking smells with strong plug-ins, as buyers may wonder what you’re hiding.
Lighting: More Than Just Bright Ideas
Lighting can completely change the feel of a home. A dim, poorly lit room may seem smaller or even gloomy, while a bright space can appear airy and welcoming.
What buyers often notice:
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Dark corners or rooms with limited natural light
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Harsh overhead bulbs or flickering lights
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Curtains or blinds that block out sunlight
Tip: Replace any dim or broken bulbs, and consider using warm LED lighting to create a cosy atmosphere. Before a viewing, open all curtains and blinds to let in as much daylight as possible. Mirrors can also help reflect light and make rooms feel larger.
Staging: Less Clutter, More Appeal
Sellers often live with a certain level of clutter that feels normal – children’s toys, piles of laundry, or kitchen worktops full of appliances. But buyers see these things as distractions from the space itself.
Things buyers pick up on:
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Cluttered surfaces and furniture overcrowding
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Personal items such as family photos or toiletries
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Untidy or overstuffed cupboards
Tip: Aim for a clean, neutral look that allows buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. Remove excess furniture, tidy all surfaces, and store away personal items. Think of it as setting the stage – you’re not just selling a house; you’re selling a lifestyle.
Small Details: They’re Looking Closer Than You Think
Buyers are often more observant than sellers expect. They might peek inside cupboards, notice scuffed skirting boards, or spot condensation on windows. These small details can trigger concerns about upkeep or potential hidden problems.
Common things buyers notice:
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Peeling paint or worn carpets
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Mould in bathroom corners or silicone sealant
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Limescale around taps or showers
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Sticking doors or windows
Tip: Spend time doing a deep clean and tackling minor repairs. Clean the grout, tighten loose handles, and make sure every door opens and closes smoothly. It’s these subtle improvements that signal a well-maintained home.
Outside Counts Too: Kerb Appeal Matters
Your home’s exterior is the first thing a buyer sees – and it sets the tone for the entire viewing. Even if the interior is immaculate, a messy front garden or worn door can leave a lasting negative impression.
What buyers often pick up on:
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Overgrown grass or weeds
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Peeling paint on doors or fences
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Clutter like bins or broken garden furniture
Tip: Mow the lawn, sweep the path, and give your front door a fresh coat of paint if needed. A couple of potted plants by the entrance can create a welcoming feel that encourages buyers to expect good things inside.
Don’t Let the Small Things Cost You Big
Selling your home isn’t just about location or square footage – it’s about how your property feels to a potential buyer. By paying attention to the subtle cues buyers notice, you can boost your home’s appeal and increase your chances of receiving strong offers.
If you’d like a free walk-through and honest advice on how to best prepare your home for sale, we’d be happy to help. Sometimes, it’s the expert eye that spots what sellers miss.
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