We’ve all heard the phrase “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and in real estate, that couldn’t be more true. When a potential buyer pulls into the driveway, the clock starts ticking. Within the first 30 seconds, buyers are already forming an opinion about whether your home feels like “the one.” And in today’s more balanced market, the homes that are making the best first impressions are getting the best first offers.
Curb appeal is more than landscaping. Fresh mulch, trimmed bushes and a neatly cut lawn do wonders, but so does a clean front porch, updated house numbers and even a freshly painted door. These details tell buyers the home is well cared for, and that sense of care carries into how they imagine the rest of the property was maintained.
The sensory experience matters, too. As buyers step inside, small details shape their emotions. Lighting sets the tone; bright, welcoming spaces feel larger and more inviting. Having mismatched bulbs, or burned – out bulbs instantly makes a home feel less cared for and less impressive. A subtle scent of cleanliness (not overpowering air fresheners!) can make a buyer feel at ease, while clutter – free rooms allow them to imagine their own lives in the space.
First impressions also influence negotiations. A buyer who feels positive when they walk in the door is more likely to overlook small imperfections, and continue to notice positive and pleasing characteristics. On the flip side, if the initial impressions is poor, they’ll be on the lookout for more flaws, which translate into price concessions to match, if they decide to bring an offer.
For sellers, investing in that first impression is one of the smartest moves you can make. You don’t have to break the bank; sometimes it’s as simple as power washing the sidewalk, adding a few potted plants or swapping out a dated light fixture in the foyer. Mostly, it’s having a nice smelling, well-lit, clutter-free house where buyers can imagine making themselves at home.
At the end of the day, selling a home isn’t just about square footage or the number of bedrooms, it’s about creating a feeling. When buyers step onto the property and instantly feel at home, you’re already halfway to a sale.
Billy Morris
2025 President of the Lynchburg Association of Realtors
An Associate Broker at John Stewart Walker, Inc.