Practical tips to help you attract more interest and viewings
In an era where house hunting starts with a swipe, the first viewing rarely happens in person. Whether on a phone or computer screen, buyers browse through dozens of listings before identifying which homes are worth physically seeing.
According to Adrian Goslett, CEO and Regional Director of REMAX Southern Africa, at a time where first impressions are made on a screen, the quality of your online listing can be the main deciding factor between someone viewing your property or simply scrolling on.
"Screens have become the new showrooms and by the time a prospective buyers arranges a viewing, they've already established their own expectations of the property based on what they've seen online. That's why it's more important than ever to make sure your property looks its best from the very start."
One of the biggest things influencing whether buyers click on a listing is the photos. Goslett notes that well-lit, high-quality images can make a home feel warm, welcoming and spacious, while dark, blurry or poorly framed photos can discourage potential buyers before they've even read the listing description.
“Before the photoshoot takes place, ensure that you prepare the home for the images. Set out some time to neaten up your space, declutter the rooms, fold the laundry, pack away any family photos or personal items, open the curtains and make sure that the property feels clean and inviting,” he says.
Goslett continues by highlighting that your home shouldn’t look like no one lives there but rather, it should encourage buyers to picture themselves living in the space. A bright, uncluttered home photographs far better, and with it, allows its best features to stand out.
While an image can say a thousand words, property descriptions are just as important. Instead of just listing the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, work with a qualified real estate professional to highlight what makes your home unique as these details can really help buyers imagine what life in the home could be like.
At the same time, you should always remain honest. While you might want your home to look its best, heavily edited photos or overly exaggerated descriptions can create unrealistic expectations, that can leave buyers disappointed when the view the property.
"The best online listings don't just show buyers a house, they help them picture a home. An experienced property professional knows how to present your property in a way that grabs buyers' attention and gives you the best possible chance of achieving a successful sale,” says Goslett.
Town’s Southern Suburbs and False Bay, in a recent article shared some of the most important do's and don'ts to guide homeowners, here is a look at those tips:
Do's of Home Staging
- Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove personal items, family photos, and excessive decorations. This helps potential buyers envision their own belongings in the space. Less clutter makes rooms appear larger and more inviting.
- Clean Thoroughly: A spotless home suggests that the property has been well-maintained. Pay attention to details, such as cleaning windows, carpets, and even the inside of appliances like ovens.
- Neutralise Colour Schemes: If you are going to give the place a fresh coat of paint, use neutral colours for walls and remove any décor that is too bold or quirky. While bold colours may appeal to some, neutral tones have a broader appeal and create a blank canvas for buyers' imaginations.
- Highlight Key Features: Draw attention to the property's best features, such as a fireplace, large windows, or hardwood floors. Use furniture and décor to frame and highlight these elements even if it means moving around some items to better highlight these features
- Improve Kerb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. Ensure the lawn is mowed, hedges are trimmed, and the entrance is welcoming. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door and planting flowers or even placing attractive pot plants next to the entrance.
- Create a Cohesive Style: If you are going to bring in furniture or décor to fill up empty spaces and improve the overall effect or semi-furnish an empty property, choose a consistent style for furniture and décor that complements the home's architecture. This creates a harmonious look that is pleasing to the eye.
- Light It Up: Ensure all rooms are well-lit. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light and also use lamps and light fixtures to brighten darker areas. Good lighting makes spaces feel larger and more inviting.
