Google “real estate selling tips” and you’ll only find 114 million pages to browse through.

But here’s a simple selling secret that should sit on top of those other 114 million:

The first impression is the only impression. 

Psychologists say that we make up our minds about a person within the first fifteen seconds of meeting them and the same rings true when viewing a house.   No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression.

A lot has been written about the psychology of styling the interior of your house to entice the buyer – the smell of freshly baked biscuits floating through the air; the use of mirrors so the buyer can literally see themselves there.  But not as much is said about the front exterior which, in reality, could be what makes or breaks your sale.

Think like a buyer.  Get inside their head and see your home through their eyes.  Step out of the car.  First impressions.  What do YOU see?

A beautiful flower-filled yard will lighten the mood and make your property stand out in the minds of buyers.  It could be the one exclusive differentiating factor, especially if they are viewing several properties in a day.

So if you’re getting your house ready now for a Spring sale, one of the easiest things you can do is to plant bulbs in the front yard.  We’re not talking about a few pretty daffodils poking out here and there.  We’re talking mass plantings!  For a mere $50, you can achieve an  explosion of colour – a wonderful assault of sight and scent –  that will take the breath away of every potential buyer, whether they’re a garden lover or not.

And now THAT’S a first impression!