First Impressions... aka the Speed Dating of House-Hunting!

I didn't coin the comparison but when I came across it recently in Christine Rae's book "HOME STAGING FOR DUMMIES" it made me chuckle. But think about it, just as first impressions are formed in speed dating, so they are formed by house-hunting buyers. In just a few moments, far less than we might expect, buyers are going to decide whether or not a property is worth getting to know better.

Studies have shown that most buyers are going to make a purchase after looking at fewer than 10 homes, and this all happens within a very condensed period of time. Just like in speed dating, they won't come back around if you failed to impress the first time.

So how do you know where to focus your efforts when getting ready for your date? Most often, a first impression is based on an emotional attraction (or lack of). Anything which speaks to our senses, whether positively or negatively is going to incite a response.

Questions to ask yourself are:

How does your house make the buyer feel? Are they going to feel comfortable while moving among your things or will they feel as if they are intruding? Personal items, improperly placed furniture, and clutter can all make a buyer feel uneasy or off-balance in your home.

How does your house look? Colours register in the mind immediately so neutrals are always safest and will appeal to the most potential buyers. Kitchens should be current and lighting should be on-trend. Floors and carpets should be in good shape. And don't overlook what drive-by's will be seeing from the street. That's a speed date in itself, and you don't even know is happening!

What smells are greeting the buyers? These could be cooking related, pets, air fresheners or heavy cologne and may be hard for you to identify on your own. Don't be too embarrassed to ask a friend or neighbour to lend an honest nose.

Just as people have stylists, so do houses in the form of home stagers. Calling on a professional home stager will help you maximize your efforts, time and financial resources as you prepare your home for sale. First impressions strongly influence a successful first date, particularly if you are being compared to several other potential connections. Home Stagers understand what buyers are looking for, and how your house should be styled for the unforgiving and competitive world of speed dating!

Christine Bird is owner and principle stager at New View Home Staging. She is a Certified Canadian Staging Professional, CSP Elite^TM Stager, and Instructor. New View Home Staging can be reached at 519-505-0892 or by email at christine@newviewhomestaging.ca. Please feel free to visit our website at www.newviewhomestaging.ca