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Your clients first impression starts in the Foyer

By Charles Hendricks

Services for Real Estate Pros with The Gaines Group, PLC Architecture and Design

November 20, 2011 11:49 PM

The first impression of a home is often in the foyer. In many homes today the front entry is forgotten and the wow factor has been moved into the living room or kitchen. Your clients immediately form their impression of the home when they enter it so not taking care to make the entry sequence work with the rest of the home is a big mistake made by builders today. This is where you set the tone for the entire house and you don't have to rescue the design with another room. You do have to carry the style through the whole house and pay attention to all the small details to make it the perfect home. Having an architect work through the house style is an important step to take when you want to build a home that is known for quality construction and high style.

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Alex Valentino

SOLARIT® - San Francisco, CA

Founder

Thank you for taking the time and sharing your thoughts. I am sure consumers and professional alike could benefit from the information you provided. Please free to contact me for any information on our market in San Francisco Bay Area at 415-425-3500.

Nov 21, 2011 12:02 AM

Wallace S. Gibson, CPM

Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA

LandlordWhisperer

I disagree * it starts at the curb and REALLY starts at the front door EXTERIOR entry. The last 2 listings I took that had been for sale had NO front door mat!

Nov 21, 2011 12:14 AM

Kathy Sheehan

Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA

Senior Loan Officer

I think I would agree with Wallace. If it doesn't have some curb appeal, you will never get them in the front door.

Nov 21, 2011 12:31 AM

Charles Hendricks

The Gaines Group, PLC Architecture and Design - Harrisonburg, VA

Good point, we do start with how the house sits on a lot and what you see from the curb. It is unfortunate that so much time is spent on kitchens and more time is not spent on this sequence of design. There is so often no money put into the landscape, the driveway is a straight shot to the garage doors, and the garage doors are the least expensive option that the dominating front facade design feature.... here is what we did outside on this same house that has the nice foyer.

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Nov 21, 2011 12:39 AM

Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Charles, I live and work in a rural area dotted with small towns. A mistake I often see is subdivision styled homes built on country lots... it just does not "fit" well...

Nov 21, 2011 07:45 AM

Chris, So many times I have seen homes, typically the 5 over 4 with a door, put on a lot with no thought to orientation or response to the area. We love the clients that allow us to work with them on designing a house that meets their needs, for their lot, for the way they live, for their climate, and for their budget. You too often overlook these items and end up with this:

Broadway House

Nov 21, 2011 11:33 PM

Erna Neal

The Viking Team, Realty - Winter Park, FL

A Knowledgable Central Florida Realtor

Hi Charles, I agree that the Foyer is highly important, but I agree with Wallace that it is curb appeal that is most important. If the buyer doesn't like the outside, they will not want to see the inside. But you are right that it needs to make a great first impression.

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 22, 2011 08:42 AM

Erna,

Thanks for your comments!

Nov 22, 2011 11:54 AM

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