Selling a Home? Guess what? The first showing probably won’t be in your house.

If you’re selling a home you need to be aware that today’s home buyers are in a different league than home buyers of years past.

With the Internet, virtual tours, You Tube videos and amazing digital photography available, a home buyer with access to the Internet does not need to leave the comfort of their home in order to decide whether or not to see a property. Essentially that means the first showing of your property will most likely take place on the Internet and not in your actual home.

It is estimated that over 90% of buyers are shopping online first – for everything, including homes for sale.

Time strapped home buyers often make their decision right at the computer screen. They decide whether the house is worth getting in the car (or plane in some cases) to see.  And often, with job relocations, it becomes necessary to view properties cross country or globally and the only way to do that is on-line.

I make it a practice to view www.Realtor.com to check out the virtual tours and photos.  As a Dallas,TX professional home stager I find myself virtually staging the houses that need it and wondering what the reasons are behind those homes that don’t have photos, videos or tours available. In my opinion, this is one of the most important tools after listing today’s seller has in getting their house seen and sold.

There is never a second chance to make a first impression and home staging is crucial for making that fabulous first impression whether on-line through amazing digital photos and virtual tours or in person as the buyer walks up to the door. A staged home presents better online in photographs as well as in person for the actual tour.

Which first look would you rather show to prospective home buyers?

Before and After Collage of a Staged Home professionally photographed

While selling, make your home’s first impressions count. whether the buyer is previewing online or in person.