Key to an inviting home

KEY TO AN

inviting home

There is a lot going on in the head of a buyer. There are the financial aspects. Do I have enough for a deposit? Is my loan pre-approved? Can I afford this?

There are the practical aspects? Is this home the right size? Does it have the features I require? Is it in a suitable location?

Then, there is emotion! Some say that approximately 90 per cent of a purchasing decision is based on emotion. Whether you hold with that, or think that only 10 per cent on logic when it comes to buying a home is unrealistic, the fact is, in the majority of real estate transactions, matters of the heart really do matter.

Your home’s first impression starts with the exterior – from the footpath to the front doormat, plus the overall appearance of the house.

A shabby front door is not going to cut it! Have you noticed that milliondollar homes tend to have front doors that make a statement? The front door is easily one of the first things that people notice about a home. If you don’t like yours, invest in a great front door.

It should be welcoming and draw you into the home. It can express your personality, just like your landscaping.

And while we’re on doors, garage doors are an often-overlooked element, yet they take up a lot of frontage in many homes. Their look is essential, so if you are selling, think about sprucing yours up, or investing in a new one so your house is worth more than a drive-by.

Once through the front door, the buyer gets their first real and lasting impression of the home’s interior. This will occur whether it is an ‘onthe-ground’ walk through or a virtual inspection.

What will the buyer’s eyes take in?

Do not ignore the home’s entry foyer, the space immediately inside the front door, whether it is in a grand house or a tiny apartment with a nook by the door. The open space near the front door should be inviting while also being representative of the rest of the home. It should set the tone from the second people walk into your home and is crucial in leaving a good first impression.

Things to incorporate might include a chic mirror, eye-catching artwork, an accent chair, an umbrella holder, unusual but practical wall hooks, a built-in bench seat, striking wall paper, feature flooring, striking light fixture, a vintage console or narrow sideboard, or a look-through timber screen to separate the area from the rest of the home.

You might use the entryway’s windows to set the general atmosphere of the space. For example, if there are beach views, bring in the nautical accents; if it is rural, follow with animals and earthy tones; or if it is a suburban property, create a homey feel with warm colours and stylish quotes as wall art.

Whether you go artsy and modern, bright, organised and neutral, or vintage and cosy, a welcoming entryway is the first thing a visitor to the home sees. A good first impression will come from striking, deliberate design rather than an ad hoc approach or indifference.

Keep in mind

• The inside of home should match its strong curb appeal. • The entryway is crucial to the buyer’s first impression. • Choose a few specific things that go together perfectly rather than a mishmash. • A precisely placed mirror can make a space look much bigger and brighter.