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    The First 7 Seconds Strategy

    What Buyers Really Notice When They Walk Into Your Home

    We’ve all heard the saying: You never get a second chance at a first impression. That’s true in life, and it’s true in real estate. When a buyer pulls up to your home, the clock starts ticking. Within the first seven seconds, they’ve already made a gut-level decision about how they feel about the house.

    The Approach Matters

    • The condition of the driveway and walkway.
    • Landscaping: crisp and welcoming, or tired and overgrown?
    • The overall ‘vibe’ of the exterior.

    The Front Door is the Spotlight

    • A fresh coat of paint and polished hardware make an impact.
    • A seasonal wreath or clean mat creates warmth.
    • Scuffed doors or faded trim can turn buyers off instantly.

    Smells, Sounds, and Surprises

    • Odors, such as pets, smoke, or food, can be deal breakers.
    • Sounds like barking dogs, creaks, or heavy silence.
    • Lighting: bright and welcoming, contrasting with dark and dim.

    The ‘Story’ the Home Tells

    • Does the space feel move-in ready or full of projects?
    • Is the home whispering ‘headache’ or ‘welcome home’?

    Pro Tip: Walk Your Home Like a Buyer

    • Step outside, take a breath, and pretend you’ve never seen your home before. Drive up, walk in, and pay attention to what you notice in those first 7 seconds. Better yet, ask a friend (or your agent) to do it with fresh eyes.

    Pro Tip #2: The Video Test

    • Grab your phone and record yourself walking up to your house and through the front door. Then, watch it back with the eyes of a buyer. Do you notice a scuffed baseboard you’ve ignored for years? A pile of shoes by the entry that suddenly looks messy? A shadowy hallway that feels darker on camera than in real life? What you see on that screen is exactly what buyers will feel.

    Why This Matters

    Once a buyer feels “off” in those first moments, it’s almost impossible to win them back. But when the first impression is positive and inviting, buyers overlook small flaws because they’re already emotionally invested.

    Quick Checklist: Before a Showing

    • Turn on all the lights.
    • Open blinds and curtains for natural light.
    • Sweep the porch and shake out the doormat.
    • Hide clutter (shoes, mail, pet bowls).
    • Do a quick scent check (fresh, neutral, and clean wins every time).

    Local Twist: What Buyers Notice in Lake Havasu

    Our market has its own quirks. RV garages, desert landscaping, and poolside spaces make a huge impression here. A tidy RV pad, sparkling pool, and refreshed desert plants go a long way in those first few seconds.

    Seller’s Challenge

    Invite a friend or neighbor over and ask them to describe their first impression of your home in one sentence. Their perspective will tell you more than a mirror ever could.

    The Bottom Line

    Buyers aren’t just shopping for a house; they’re shopping for a feeling. Nail the first impression, and you’re halfway to ‘sold.’

     

    Wendy Smith, REALTOR®

    Keller Williams Arizona Living Realty

    📞 928.577.7928   |   ✉️ [email protected]

    Built on Trust. Backed by Experience. Rooted in Real.

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