You know that moment when you meet someone and you just know whether you vibe or not? Yeah—buying a house is kind of like that.
In fact, most buyers decide within the first 8 seconds if they’re interested in a home. Eight. Seconds. That’s about the time it takes to take a deep breath, blink, and say, “Ooh, I like this place” (or…not).
The queen herself, Barbara Corcoran, says it best:
“Buyers decide in the first 8 seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested in buying it. Get out of your car, walk in their shoes, and see what they see within the first 8 seconds.”
So, let’s talk about how you—as a savvy seller—can use this magical 8-second rule to your advantage.
Walk a Mile (Or Just Around the Block) in a Buyer’s Shoes
If you're preparing to list or your home is already on the market, this is a fun and eye-opening exercise:
- Stage your home as if there’s a showing – lights on, clutter cleared, everything clean and styled.
- Hop in your car and take a spin around the block. Seriously. It helps reset your mindset from “this is my cozy home” to “I’m a buyer checking out this house.”
- Pull up to your house and observe. Take in everything a buyer would—from curb to couch. What’s your gut reaction? What grabs your attention first (good or bad)?
You’ll quickly notice the little details that either charm or chase off potential buyers.
Your Agent is Doing This Too (With a Sharper Eye Than You Might Realize)
When I walk into a new listing appointment, I’m doing that same 8-second check—but with my "marketability goggles" on. And let me tell you, some of the smallest things can make or break a first impression:
- Dead bugs stuck to the porch light (ick)
- Peeling paint or faded front door (a fresh coat can work wonders!)
- Overgrown flower beds or wilting plants (greenery is a vibe!)
- Missing or rusty hardware on the front door
- Cracks in the sidewalk or driveway that scream “future expense”
It’s not about nitpicking—it’s about maximizing the appeal before a buyer even crosses the threshold.
First Impressions Can Be Fixed
Once you’ve seen your home through a buyer’s eyes, here are a few quick-win ideas to level up your curb appeal and entryway energy:
- Paint the front door a bold, welcoming color (bonus points for modern house numbers!)
- Add potted plants or fresh flowers to liven up the entrance
- Update outdoor lighting fixtures—yes, even that rusty sconce you’ve been ignoring
- Replace worn doormats and outdated doorbells
- Sweep the porch, clear cobwebs, and wipe windows (buyers notice everything!)
- Power wash your walkway or driveway for that squeaky clean look
Your agent may suggest a few more tweaks depending on your home’s layout, age, and price point—but these are a great starting place.
In This Market, Presentation is Power
The Denver metro market has slowed a bit from the frenzied pace we’ve seen in recent years. On average, homes are spending 24 days on market, and it currently takes around 10 showings to get a property under contract.
(Yes, this varies by location and price point—luxury and entry-level homes often behave differently.)
But if you want your home to fly off the market, the preparation you put in before that “Coming Soon” sign hits the yard is absolutely a factor. The homes that pop, sparkle, and shine from the very first glance are the ones that get the offers—and often, the best ones.
Want Help Making Those First 8 Seconds Count?
Whether you need help spotting the little things that could use a refresh, or you’re wondering if now’s the right time to list, I’m always here to be your extra set of eyes (and your biggest cheerleader).
Let’s make sure your home gets all the heart-eyes from buyers the moment they pull up. 💫