Property impressions: Make the first one count if it's on the market

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression and this couldn't be more true of when prospective buyers view a property on the market. 

"Never underestimate the impact that the first impression of a property has on a buyer, which is why it is worth making a bit of an effort to make sure the place shines on the day," says Steven van Rooyen, Principal at Leapfrog Milnerton.

He explains that you want to make the property as appealing as possible to as many people as possible, and that small interventions and a bit of styling can help a lot in this regard. 

"By the time a prospective buyer views your property they are likely to have done a fair bit of research online and have shortlisted only the ones in their price range, location of preference and where the photographs in the listing appealed to them, which is why the 'real life' viewing should be used as the meeting that seals the deal for them," Van Rooyen explains. 

It's about helping people imagine themselves living in the space. "It's called home staging and refers to the preparation of a property for sale by making it more aesthetically appealing to more people," Van Rooyen says 

The good news is that there are plenty of little things you can do that can make a noteworthy impact. 

Clean and clutter-free 

"'Clean and clutter-free' does not mean the same thing to all people! In fact, one's clutter is often another's creative, and vice versa" Van Rooyen shares. As such the best approach is to remove anything that could be viewed as bric-n-brac or that should be inside a cupboard anyway. 

"Surfaces like the kitchen counter, the bathroom vanity and the coffee table in the lounge are popular candidates for accumulating everything from old magazines to empty vitamin dispensers, dirty dishes and countless other 'things'. Clear these spaces and already you're well on the way to creating the illusion of a clean and calm space," Van Rooyen says. 

Clean goes without saying but you need not do a major spring cleaning before every viewing. Rather, make sure the dishes in the kitchen sink are washed and packed away, the cushions on the couch are fluffed, the kitchen bin has been taken out and the surfaces are wiped. 

Make light work of it 

Never underestimate the impact good lighting can have on how a space is viewed. Bright, natural light does wonders for the mood of a room so open the curtains or blinds to allow it to stream in (it also helps if the windows are clean). If it's dark and/or dreary outside, a similar effect can be achieved by switching on select lights, though preferably not harsh overhead lighting, but rather more muted accent lighting from, for example, night lights or wall sconces. 

The difference is in the detail 

In much the same way that accessories round off an outfit, so too are there details that add that extra something to a space. Van Rooyen recommends ensuring the space smells clean and inviting by burning a scented candle or going around with a refreshing room mist. "You may even want to have fresh flowers on the table in the entryway or have a jug with cold water infused with lemon standing on the counter next to a few glasses, particularly in summer, for the inviting look it creates," he advises. 

Work from the outside in 

Last but certainly not least, make sure to not neglect the outside of the property. "The outside is the first thing prospective buyers see so make sure it's neat and tidy, and that the walkway to the front door is unobstructed," Van Rooyen suggests. "You may want to ensure that the lawn is cut and the shrubs are suitably trimmed. Placing a pot plant next to the door and a doormat on the ground are also small but effective interventions to add a welcoming touch."

The purpose of home staging is not to suddenly spend time and money on a place that you intend selling, but rather to ensure your home is showing its best side. 

"It's a little dress-up party for your property - see it as a fun exercise that may sell it faster and for a higher price!" Van Rooyen concludes.