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First Impressions Do Matter

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

Human beings are pretty consistent when it comes to their behaviors. Years ago, I read a book by Lillian Bjorseth entitled Breakthrough Networking.  In this book Bjorseth stated “people decide ten things about you within the first ten seconds of meeting you.”  Then she provide this simple equation:

Image = Appearance + Behavior

When potential residential home buyers walk up to a house, they see an image called curb appeal. Then almost instantaneously, these buyers make either conscious or subconscious thoughts about the appearance and the behavior of the sellers.  Research suggests this interaction takes around seven seconds, much similar to what Bjorseth highlighted in her book.

Imagine if that first impression creates some hesitancy, some doubt about what the buyers will find inside. Will the potential home buyers have other internal thoughts, think judgements,  about the sellers such as:

  • Cultural Heritage (Cleanliness)  
  • Educational or Economic Level (Maintenance)
  • Trustworthiness (Honesty About the Home's Condition)

Then how will these judgments affect the interior tour before the front door is even opened?

Yes, first impressions do matter, especially when it comes to selling your home. 🏡 Residential home buyers often form an opinion within moments of arriving, which is why presentation, curb appeal, and overall condition can make such a big impact. The right preparation before listing can help your home stand out and attract stronger interest from day one. If you’re thinking about selling and want to make those first seconds count, send me a message and let’s chat!  #CurbAppeal #DreamHome

Remember first impressions may make or

break an offer.

P.S. Please consider checking out my Facebook business page, The Grit and Gratitude Agent that will focus on the Dirt Roads in Mohave County as well local real estate, lots of dirt or vacant land parcels as some of the local attractions.

#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently #BuyerEducation #RealEstateGuidance #LandOfferPocess #ArizonaRealEstate  #TheHelpfulAgent #GoldenValleyAZHomesAndLand #KingmanHomesAndLand

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

Feature Photo Courtesy of ListReports.com

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith

Comments(4)

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

Good morning, Leanne.
Curb appeal is not just about landscaping or paint; it communicates how a home has been cared for and what buyers can expect inside. Those first few seconds can shape the entire showing experience. If they see things that don't show pride of ownership, they automatically wonder what they can't see. 

May 13, 2026 09:02 AM
Leanne Smith

Exactly and that behavior, those wonderments are also present when we meet folks as well. 

May 13, 2026 09:06 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Leanne Smith you only get one shot at a first impression, and it it isn't a good one, there may not be a shot at a second impression.

May 13, 2026 09:58 AM
Leanne Smith

That is so true for both homes, properties and people. 

May 14, 2026 08:18 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hello Leanne... I've been saying this for more years than I can count. I tell my sellers that the impression buyers get as they walk up to the front door determines their impression of the home. If they like what they see, they will look for reasons to like the home. And if they don't like what they see, once they enter the home they will look for reasons to dislike the home.

May 13, 2026 10:45 AM
Leanne Smith

And some of those reasons are subconscious thoughts even if they didn't look for something to dislike.  Thank you and good morning. 

May 14, 2026 08:19 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Leanne, like Nina, for years I have said --- you need to be the best house on the block, and starts with curb appeal.  Great post.

May 14, 2026 02:01 AM
Leanne Smith

Yes being the best house on the block counts for a lot. Curb appeal does matter.  Thank you for the kind words and good morning to you Joan.

May 14, 2026 08:22 AM