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First Impressions Matter More Than You Thought
One concept that bears heavily on our decision-making process is the term Confirmation Bias.
In real estate, it reinforces the First Impression idea. To explain, if your first impression is really good, everything else you see will be leaning toward reinforcing your first impression. If it is good, we are biased to putting all other impressions in the same category. This must be the house for us.
If the first impression is bad, a great master bath won't overcome the negative front of the house. The buyers are already mentally checked out. This is another reason to get a great RE photographer. Your first impression is online. Then, at the house, it's outside . A new front door color can gives you the Lipstick you
need to get them to make an appointment. (Read last month's blog about Right Brain vs. Left Brain.)
To explain, if we have a certain political bias, we will interpret the news based on our bias. We will also want to listen to those news outlets that reinforce our bias.
We have 2 columns in our brain. A YES and a NO. If the curb appeal is great or the first rooms are appealing, our first YES creates a bias toward that column. If you are a realtor or stager, LISTEN UP. If you have a limited budget to stage or improve, put it in the front of the house or yard.
So, what can you do to ensure a good first impression... Call a certified stager to do a walkthru evaluation. The service starts at $150 and will make sure the priories are addressed. Look through the lens of a camera to evaluate the front yard. Use natural colored cypress mulch. Paint the front door. I have some favorite colors for that.
I have found that agents do not usually have the skill to evaluate the curb appeal, in depth. Watch for an upcoming webinar on this topic. CURB APPEAL
Plant some colorful flowers, but choose the right ones for your conditions.
Remember that your home buyers want
to find the perfect house. Professional Staging can cause them to minimize small imperfections, according to NAR. National Association of Realtors. Staging by a certified stager will sell your listing 4 to 5 X faster.
One more comment on Confirmation Bias... if you are a stager or designer and your website is home-made looking or mediocre, you will not get contacted for an appointment. If your first page isn't drop-dead gorgeous... crickets. Some tough love. I'm sorry!
Voting is still open. Anyone can vote. https://resa.awardsplatform.com/entry/vote/eyvoYRkb/RqyEaWJq?search=24b94cac9fb21299-29
