Attract buyers and maximise your home's value
When selling your home, making a great first impression on potential buyers is essential so knowing what grabs their attention—and what doesn’t—can help you prioritise repairs and upgrades that maximise appeal and avoid wasting money on changes buyers won’t care about.
So says Claude McKirby, Co-Principal for Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Cape Town’s Southern Suburb, adding that understanding what buyers notice also helps sellers to allocate their budgets and time wisely.
“When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tasks on your to-do list. From repairs and upgrades to cleaning and staging, knowing where to focus your time and money can be a challenge and the secret to making the best impression isn’t about perfection; it’s about understanding what truly matters to homebuyers.
“They don’t scrutinise every detail or care about features that don’t add value to their experience. Instead, they notice the big-picture elements that shape their first impression - cleanliness, functionality, and emotional appeal. A sparkling kitchen, a fresh coat of paint, or a clutter-free living room can have more impact than costly but unnecessary renovations.
“Investing in areas that buyers care about ensures your home is competitive in the market while avoiding unnecessary expenses on generally overlooked details.”
McKirby shares the following room-by room guide to help sellers prioritise their time and budget allocation:
The First Impressions Matter
The entryway sets the tone for the entire home. Buyers often decide whether they like a property within seconds of stepping inside so a clean, inviting entryway with fresh paint, updated light fixtures, and a clutter-free space can create a warm welcome.
The things that buyers will notice most is the smell as they enter (pleasant scents can evoke positive feelings), the cleanliness of floors, rugs, and walls and updated hardware like door handles and locks and a small investment in a new doormat, polished floors, and a coat of neutral paint can make a significant difference.
Not many people notice minor scuffs on baseboards and the specific brand of the light fixture, as long as it complements the space.
The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is often considered the most important room for buyers, and for good reason - it’s where families gather to share meals and memories are made so a modern, functional and scrupulously clean kitchen can significantly influence a buyer’s decision.
Buyers will always notice the countertops and high-quality materials like granite, quartz, or butcher block are big selling points. Buyers also value clean, updated cabinetry; so simply repainting or replacing hardware can make old cabinets look new. Stainless steel or energy-efficient appliances catch the eye.
Don’t bother too much about the contents of your cabinets or pantry – just make sure the shelving is clean. And small imperfections, like a nick in the backsplash or a minor dent in a fridge also also seldom paid much attention.
Unless it’s a really old and worn kitchen, focus on cosmetic upgrades like resurfacing countertops, replacing cabinet hardware, and ensuring everything is spotless.
Liveable Spaces
Living rooms and family rooms need to feel open, bright, and inviting and buyers should be able to picture themselves relaxing or entertaining in these spaces.
Natural light is important so clean windows and open blinds are a must. Flooring is also a priority for many buyers and well-maintained hardwood or clean carpets are appealing whilst outdated or stained flooring can be a turnoff.
Also pay attention to layout - overcrowded furniture makes a room feel smaller, while a thoughtfully staged space appears larger and more functional.
Although it’s a good idea to pack away some of your personal effects to declutter, personal décor like family photos and unique art might catch a buyer’s eye, but they don’t contribute to the home’s overall appeal. Minor wall imperfections are also not a deal-breaker especially if the colour is neutral and consistent.
Rearrange furniture to optimise space and let light flow freely and a fresh coat of neutral paint can also modernise the room and add to its appeal.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms, though smaller spaces, carry significant weight in a buyer’s mind and a sparkling clean, updated bathroom can make an ordinary home feel luxurious.
Stained grout or missing caulk immediately signals neglect and updated fixtures like taps, showerheads and cabinet hardware elevate the space. Likewise, modern vanities or a framed mirror can transform the room.
If these factors are all appealing, then buyers generally won’t notice minor imperfections like small chips in the bath of minor wear on a vanity.
So be sure to deep-clean grout, replace worn fixtures, and consider small upgrades like a new towel set or bath mat to create a fresh look.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are personal spaces, but for buyers, they need to feel like a blank canvas so it’s important to remove excess personal clutter and make sure they are tidy. A neutral, calming environment helps buyers envision their own style and preferences.
Space and layout are important and bedrooms should feel spacious, even if they’re small so decluttering is essential. Storage is also a crucial factor and buyers will open the cupboards so ensure they are organised, tidy and functional to showcase their capacity.
Don’t worry about minor imperfections like small nail holes or outdated light switch plates and personal touches like bedding patterns or colour schemes also don’t influence buyers.
Outdoor Spaces:
Kerb appeal isn’t just about the first impression, it’s also about the lasting one and outdoor spaces can leave a memorable impact on buyers.
Two of the most prominent features they notice are general landscaping and outdoor living spaces. Well-maintained lawns, trimmed hedges, and seasonal flowers make a big difference as do patios, decks, or balconies that feel functional and inviting.
Elaborate landscaping designs or exotic plants will not be appreciated much by most people and, in fact, it could be a deterrent as buyers may be concerned about the time and cost of upkeep. And minor imperfections in outdoor furniture or fixtures are seldom noticed.
Be sure to mow the lawn, add fresh mulch, and clean up outdoor furniture. And, if your outdoor space is bland or sparce, a few planters with flowers can add a pop of colour.
“At the end of the day, most buyers prioritise clean, functional, and updated spaces over purely cosmetic fixes so when preparing your home for sale, put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and focus on high-impact upgrades that elevate their experience without breaking the bank.
“And if you understand what buyers will notice, you can confidently prepare your home to stand out in a competitive market. A little effort and thoughtful planning can make all the difference in attracting buyers and maximising your home’s value.”
Original Article: https://www.property24.com/articles/attract-buyers-and-maximise-your-homes-value/32505