Whether you're planning to sell your home next month or have no plans to move anytime soon, it's interesting to see your home through the eyes of a buyer.
When buyers walk through a home, they're taking in much more than the number of bedrooms or the size of the kitchen. Within the first few minutes, they're forming an overall impression of the space and quietly asking themselves, "Could I see myself living here?"The good news? Many of the things buyers notice first are simple, everyday details that homeowners can easily improve.Here are some of the biggest things that can make an impression.1. The Entrance
First impressions really do matter.Before buyers even step inside, they're noticing the front of the home. Is the walkway clean? Does the front door look well maintained? Is the porch welcoming?Once they walk through the door, they're immediately taking in the entryway.A clean, organized and welcoming entrance can set the tone for the rest of the home.Quick refresh: Sweep the front porch, clean the door, add a seasonal planter and make sure the entryway inside is free of clutter.2. How the Home Smells
This is one of the things homeowners may not notice because we're often accustomed to the everyday smells of our own home.Buyers, however, are walking in with a completely fresh perspective.Strong cooking smells, pet odours, garbage, smoke or overly strong air fresheners can all affect how someone experiences the space.The goal isn't necessarily to make your home smell like candles. Clean and neutral is usually best.Quick refresh: Empty garbage, clean soft surfaces, open the windows when weather permits and keep the home fresh and well ventilated.3. Cleanliness & Clutter
A home doesn't have to look like a showroom, but buyers do notice when surfaces are crowded or rooms feel overly full.Clutter can make spaces feel smaller and can make it harder for buyers to visualize their own belongings in the home.Take a look at kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, closets, entryways and living room surfaces.Quick refresh: Try the "less is more" approach. Clear off countertops, tidy visible storage areas and put away items that don't need to be out.4. Natural Light & Lighting
Bright, welcoming spaces tend to make a strong impression.Buyers notice how much natural light comes into a home and how the rooms feel throughout the day.They'll also notice dark hallways, burnt-out bulbs and rooms that feel overly dim.Quick refresh: Open your blinds and curtains, clean your windows and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Using consistent, warm lighting throughout the home can also help create a more comfortable atmosphere.5. The Kitchen
It's no surprise that buyers tend to spend a lot of time looking at the kitchen.They're considering the layout, storage, countertops, appliances and overall condition.But you don't necessarily need a major renovation to make your kitchen feel more appealing.Quick refresh: Clear the countertops, organize the pantry, clean your appliances and consider updating small details such as cabinet hardware if your kitchen feels dated.6. The Bathrooms
Bathrooms are another area where cleanliness and maintenance make a big difference.Buyers notice things like dirty grout, leaky faucets, damaged caulking, outdated fixtures and general wear and tear.Quick refresh: Give the bathroom a deep clean, replace old caulking, fix small leaks and keep countertops as clear as possible.7. Overall Maintenance
One of the biggest things buyers are looking for is evidence that a home has been cared for.They're noticing the little things:☐ Scuffed walls☐ Loose handles
☐ Dripping faucets
☐ Cracked caulking
☐ Burnt-out light bulbs
☐ Damaged flooring
☐ Sticking doors
☐ Overgrown landscapingNone of these things necessarily mean a home is in poor condition, but a collection of small maintenance issues can influence the overall impression.Quick refresh: Walk through your home with a notepad and look at it as if you're seeing it for the first time. Write down anything that catches your eye and tackle the easy fixes first.