5 Things Buyers Look for Before Anything Else

By Maria Stokes

…and how to make sure your home delivers at first glance

When a potential buyer walks into your home (or scrolls past it online), their brain is already ticking. In fact, research shows that most buyers form an impression within the first 7 seconds—and that impression can be surprisingly hard to shake.

So, what exactly are they looking at? What are the little details—conscious or not—that shape how they feel about your home? And more importantly, how can you make sure those details are working for you, not against you?

Here are the top five things buyers look for before anything else—and how to use each one to your advantage.

1. Curb Appeal That Feels Like a Welcome Mat

Before anyone even steps through your front door, they’re already deciding how they feel about your home. That first impression starts at the kerb.

Things like an overgrown garden, a cracked pathway, or a faded front door can quietly plant seeds of doubt—even if the inside is immaculate.

On the flip side, a tidy lawn, fresh paint, some well-placed pots or flowers, and a clean, welcoming entrance say: this home is loved and well looked after.

Tip: Give your front door a quick refresh with a new coat of paint (deep blue or charcoal grey are popular choices), swap out an old doormat, and make sure your house number is easy to see.

2. Light, Bright, and Airy Spaces

Buyers are drawn to light like moths to a flame. One of the quickest ways to make a home feel inviting, spacious, and clean is to maximise natural light.

Before a viewing, open all curtains and blinds, clean the windows, and consider swapping heavy window treatments for something lighter and more modern.

If your home doesn’t get much natural light, use mirrors strategically to reflect what you do have—and add soft lighting (lamps, under-cabinet lights, etc.) to brighten darker areas.

Bonus: Even on a grey British day, warm lighting can make a space feel cosy instead of gloomy.

3. Flow and Layout That Makes Sense

People want to walk into a home and immediately feel a sense of 'this works'. That means the layout should feel logical, rooms should be easy to navigate, and nothing should feel cramped or cluttered.

Sometimes this means doing a quick furniture shuffle to open up pathways or remove anything oversized that eats up space. A giant corner sofa that dominates the room might feel great for movie night—but if it makes the space feel small, buyers will struggle to see past it.

Think about: how someone would walk through your space. Are there clear sightlines? Is it easy to move from room to room? Is there too much furniture? 

4. A Home That Smells—and Feels—Clean

We don’t like to talk about it, but smell is huge. The scent of your home can be more powerful than any paint colour or décor decision—and it’s often the thing people remember, even if they don’t realise it.

That doesn’t mean you need to fill every room with scented candles. It just means your home should smell fresh, neutral, and clean. Think 'I’ve just cleaned the whole house' rather than 'I sprayed air freshener ten minutes ago'.

Simple fixes: If you're selling an empty property, you could go in once every week or two (if you live nearby) to open windows and wipe away any dust. Plug-ins or oil diffusers are a great way to scent your property, especially if you're not living in the property and are unable to light candles, brew coffee or bake bread before viewings!

5. A Professionally Staged Home That Feels Aspirational

Finally—the secret sauce. The thing that ties it all together: professional home staging.

Staging is so much more than fluffing cushions and rearranging a few throws. It’s about understanding your buyer, knowing what they’re looking for, and showing them a lifestyle they want to step into.

And the results speak for themselves:

• 94% more clicks and viewings online when homes are staged

• Homes often sell 3x faster

• Sellers typically receive 5–10% higher offers

It’s no surprise, really. Staging helps buyers emotionally connect with the space. It removes distractions and lets them imagine themselves already living there—whether that’s hosting a dinner party in a beautifully set dining room, or relaxing in a bedroom that looks like a boutique hotel.

At House of Arden, we stage with strategy. Every room is designed with your ideal buyer in mind—from the colours we choose to the textures we layer in. Our job is to highlight your home’s best features and create moments that buyers remember long after they leave.

Think of it like this: Your home is the product, staging is the packaging—and great packaging sells.

Final Thought

Buyers don’t always know what they’re looking for. But when they walk into a home that feels light, fresh, stylish, and well thought out, something clicks.

And that click can lead to quicker offers, higher prices, and a smoother sale—exactly what every seller wants.

So before you list, pause and take a look through a buyer’s eyes. Tidy the garden. Let the light in. Clear the path. And when you're ready, let House of Arden help you take things from good to unforgettable with expert home staging that truly sets the scene.