What Buyers Really Notice at Open Homes (and How to Impress Them)
When it comes to selling your property, presentation can make all the difference. Buyers often decide within minutes whether a home feels right — and first impressions can certainly count.
So what are buyers really noticing when they walk through your front door? Here’s what stands out most, and how to make sure your home leaves a lasting impression.
1. Street Appeal – First Impressions Start Outside
Before anyone steps inside, they’ve already formed an opinion. The front of your home sets the tone, and in Tasmania’s cooler months, a fresh, well-kept exterior instantly gives the impression of care.
✅ Keep lawns mowed and garden beds tidy.
✅ Sweep paths and pressure wash driveways.
✅ Add a few potted plants or colourful flowers for warmth.
✅ Repaint or clean the front door and make sure the entryway feels welcoming.
MIX tip: In Hobart, a home that looks well-loved from the street tends to draw in more buyers — they can already imagine coming home to it.
2. Light, Space and Flow
Tasmanian homes often have cosy layouts, so maximising light and openness is key. Buyers love walking into bright, airy spaces that feel easy to move through.
✅ Open curtains and blinds to let natural light flood in.
✅ Turn on lights in darker corners.
✅ Declutter and simplify – less furniture creates more visual space.
MIX tip: Position furniture to create a clear flow through each room. It helps buyers imagine how they’d live there.
3. Smell and Cleanliness
Nothing puts buyers off faster than an unpleasant smell. A home that feels clean and fresh gives the sense it’s been well cared for.
✅ Open windows to let in fresh Tasmanian air before inspections.
✅ Keep kitchens and bathrooms spotless.
✅ Avoid strong air fresheners – light, natural scents work best.
MIX tip: Freshly brewed coffee or a simple bouquet of flowers can create a warm, homely vibe without being overdone.
4. Comfort and Temperature
If it’s freezing outside, buyers should walk into warmth. If it’s summer, the home should feel cool and breezy. Comfort makes people stay longer — and lingerers are often serious buyers.
✅ Use your heat pump, wood heater, or split system to set a pleasant temperature.
✅ Showcase heating features like fireplaces – they’re a selling point in Hobart homes.
MIX tip: Buyers often remember how a home felt. A comfortable, inviting atmosphere can make all the difference.
5. Lifestyle and Liveability
Buyers aren’t just looking for a house – they’re picturing a lifestyle. Whether that’s quiet evenings on the deck overlooking the Derwent, or a sunny backyard for the kids, your job is to help them imagine it.
✅ Style outdoor spaces with simple furniture.
✅ Dress up key lifestyle zones – the dining table, living area, and outdoor entertaining spots.
✅ Give flexible rooms a clear purpose (office, guest bedroom, playroom).
MIX tip: Think about what makes living in your home special — and highlight it.
6. The Little Details Matter
Buyers notice the small things — and they add up. A few quick fixes can make your home feel move-in ready.
✅ Replace blown lightbulbs and tighten handles.
✅ Check doors and windows open smoothly.
✅ Patch small wall marks and clean floors.
MIX tip: Buyers often assume what they see on the surface reflects the overall condition. A well-maintained home builds confidence.
7. Your Agent and the Atmosphere
Lastly, your agent plays a huge role in setting the tone. A professional, friendly agent who knows your home inside out helps buyers feel welcome and confident to ask questions.
MIX tip: Presentation and people go hand in hand — when your home looks its best and your agent understands how to highlight its strengths, you’ll create the right emotional connection.
Final Thoughts
A successful open home isn’t just about cleaning and decluttering — it’s about creating a feeling. Buyers may not remember every feature, but they’ll remember how the home made them feel.
With the right presentation and preparation, you’ll not only attract more interest but also maximise your sale price.