First impressions are memorable experiences that evoke powerful feelings and should lead to a good experience. This also stands true in the real estate industry. 90% of homebuyers look online before visiting a home so real estate first impressions are often times the photos viewed online. The online photos should showcase the home at its best, highlighting its most impressive selling features. Since the majority of buyers start the process online, it is important to make a good first impression with images, which can be done through home staging and professional photography. The goal is for the appearance of the home and images to leave an impression leading to an action or wanting to further experience the home.
Source: M Style Home Staging/ Shoot2Sell Photography
According to psychologist James Uleman “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression,” which is also true for the home buying process. Potential homebuyer’s first visit to the home or first viewing online needs to make a lasting impression. Stage the home to make a positive impact on buyers, as it is proven that a staged home appears to have more value than an un-staged home. Once buyers view photos online or visit the house it is hard for them to forget the faults of the home. If the first encounter does not meet the buyer’s expectation they may reject the home and lose interest, eliminating the home from their interest list. If the home is not perceived well, it is hard to change their outlook. Beautifully styled photos and a well-staged home help to make a good first impression.
Source: M Style Home Staging/ Shoot2Sell Photography
Peak the interest of potential homebuyers. Often times you first “greet” the potential homebuyers via photos online. Interest is peaked through home staging and photography. The home should be clean and de-cluttered, de-personalized, styled appealing to the target audience, show the potential of the rooms, and well-lit by professional photography.
Source: M Style Home Staging/ Shoot2Sell Photography
Evoke feeling. What story does the home tell? How does the home make the potential buyers feel? Consider the target market for the home and speak to the buyers by setting the scene. A home gym can tell the story of an active lifestyle or a nursery can suggest a growing family. Make a good first impression and evoke feelings through colors and style to create a picture in the mind of the potential buyer.
Staged Home Gym
Source: M Style Home Staging/ Shoot2Sell Photography
Photography and home staging are marketing tools to sell the home, even before the first visit. Present an attractive home by highlighting its selling features, whether it is online or a house showing. A potential buyer’s first encounter of the home should leave a lasting image. Know the importance of the first impression and know that it can be hard to change the impression you have made. You don’t want to look back and regret not staging from the beginning or regret the presentation of your home to the real estate market. Make sure the first impression of your home evokes powerful feelings and a good perception of the home. Professional home staging and photography make the difference of your home being on stage and off the market.