Seven seconds is all it takes people to form a first impression of a person. When it comes to meeting people, the good news is that we can often redeem a less-than-stellar first encounter through meaningful conversation, gratitude, and compliments in subsequent meetings.
But what about your home? Unlike us, it can’t charm its way back into favour with prospective buyers who have formed a negative first impression. So how can you ensure that your Edinburgh period property makes a memorable and positive first impression? Instead of thinking about seven seconds, let’s focus on seven ‘firsts’ and reveal our top tips for creating an unforgettable first impression.
1. Make Your Front Door Shine
When time is of the essence, every detail counts. All that cleaning won’t matter if potential buyers are put off before they even step onto your polished wooden floors or beautifully cleaned carpets. Often overlooked, the front door is the first point of contact for viewers, so it deserves your attention.
Start by checking for any maintenance issues. If you have pets, look for scratch marks at the bottom of the door and give them a good sand down. Don’t forget to clean up any mess left by pet food or water bowls near the entrance.
Give faded paintwork a fresh look with a new coat—consider a sophisticated British racing green or a cheerful lollipop red. If you have glass elements in your door, a thorough clean and polish can work wonders. For an added touch of colour, why not place some seasonal plants in attractive pots on either side of the entrance to your period home?
2. Dress to Impress
Just because your visitors are there to see your home doesn’t mean you (or your agent) should be overlooked! Presentation is key during viewings. There’s no need to be overly formal, but it’s wise to leave your comfy trousers and worn-out trainers tucked away if you’re present during the viewing. Instead, opt for a tidy outfit and greet prospective buyers with warmth and friendliness. If you take pride in your appearance, it suggests that your home has been well cared for too.
You could even consider using a little psychology to enhance their experience. If you have a stunning garden, give your guests some ‘thinking space’ during the viewing by stepping out to gather some fresh produce or flowers. Nothing works better to evoke images of domestic bliss!
3. Create an Inviting Aroma
A fantastic first impression engages all the senses, so don’t just focus on what’s visible.
Invite an honest friend over for a ‘smell test’ to determine if your home needs an olfactory refresh. This is especially important if you have pets; their scent might be familiar to you but can be off-putting to non-pet owners.
If you smoke, be aware that lingering smells can cling to rooms and fabrics. Avoid smoking anywhere on the premises before viewings. Instead, consider baking bread or a cake to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
4. Clear Out the Clutter
Let’s face it: we all have that one room or closet that becomes a catch-all for clutter!
Prospective buyers will likely want to peek behind every door, so you don’t want them to be met with chaos or unpleasant odours when they open up storage spaces.
Now is the perfect time to declutter! Think about donating anything unused for six months or more to charity. This way, you can showcase the storage space your home has to offer. If you really struggle to part with your items, try storing them in tidy-looking boxes.
5. Focus on Key Areas
Bathrooms and kitchens of your Edinburgh period home are crucial when it comes to making a great first impression. Get these areas right, and you could close the deal; get them wrong, and buyers may look elsewhere.
To ensure success here, go above and beyond in cleaning. Mildew and black mould are definite turn-offs; scrub until everything sparkles or consider hiring professional help if deep cleaning isn’t your forte. Professional cleaners can truly work miracles.
For an extra touch, use grout pens to restore stained tile grout in both bathrooms and kitchens.
6. Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover? Think Again!
We’ve all heard the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’, yet covers are designed to entice readers in! Your home works in much the same way.
Even though period homes are allowed to show their age, any signs of neglect or disrepair on the exterior will stick in viewers’ minds for all the wrong reasons. While they may appreciate your interior once inside, it’s an uphill battle if they’re already put off by what they see outside.
If your property lacks curb appeal, don’t despair! While you can’t change its architecture, you can enhance its presentation with some thoughtful touches. Clear out gutters filled with leaves and debris—this not only looks better but prevents damage over time.
7. Give Space to Shine
After following these tips, it’s time to let your home do the talking!
Resist the urge to shadow potential buyers throughout their visit; sometimes space sells better than constant reassurance. Prepare a pot of freshly brewed tea or coffee along with some biscuits before stepping away for a bit. Allow them time to explore and form their own opinions about your property—sometimes playing it cool is the best approach!
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to showcase your home in its best light. And remember: you never get a second chance to make a great first impression!
If you’re considering selling your Edinburgh home or have already made up your mind, we’d love to chat! Feel free to email Fiona at [email protected] or give us a call at 07900 605674 We also have plenty more information about selling your home available here www.ativaproperty.co.uk/
