The 10-Second First Impression: What Buyers Notice Immediately
Most homeowners are surprised to learn this, but buyers start forming opinions about your property within the first 10 seconds — and those 10 seconds happen twice:
• Online, when they’re scrolling listings
• At the curb, when they first arrive
After those two “first impressions,” buyers form their next impression in the first 10 seconds inside the home.
Based on our years of showing homes throughout Keller, Southlake, and the surrounding DFW communities, one pattern has remained constant:
If you win the first 10 seconds, buyers look at the rest of your home more favorably. If you lose them, it’s difficult to recover.
Here’s what buyers notice immediately — and how to make those early moments work in your favor.
1. The First 10 Seconds Online: Stopping the Scroll
Before a buyer ever drives to your home, they experience your listing through a thumbnail image — and they make split-second decisions based on it. If the first photo doesn’t stop the scroll, buyers simply move on.
And research confirms that visual appeal directly influences perceived value. A University of Texas at Arlington study found that homes with strong curb appeal — tidy landscaping and well-maintained exteriors — sell for an average of 7% more than comparable homes.¹
Bright photos with clean sightlines and consistent lighting create confidence.
Dark photos, cluttered rooms, and awkward angles introduce doubt.
Online impression is the first “yes or no” moment — and you rarely get a second chance.
2. The First 10 Seconds at the Curb: Where Emotional Judgment Begins
Once a buyer pulls up to the home, they immediately notice:
• maintenance
• landscaping
• lighting
• overall feel of the property
According to the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 92% of REALTORS® recommend improving curb appeal before listing — and many note that it significantly improves buyer reactions.²
We completely agree. Curb appeal isn’t cosmetic — it’s strategic.
Because curb appeal is so critical, we make it a core part of our Luxe Lane Method. Simple improvements make a meaningful difference:
• fresh mulch
• a power-washed walkway
• clean windows
• trimmed landscaping
• flower pots or greenery
• an inviting (and clean) front door
These small touches signal pride of ownership — and that’s what buyers LOVE.
3. The First 10 Seconds Inside: Emotional Confirmation
Once buyers step inside, they are subconsciously seeking confirmation of the impression they formed online and at the curb.
They notice immediately:
• Lighting — bright feels cared for; dim feels dated
• Sightlines — clear, simple pathways make the home feel larger
• Scent — neutral is best; strong scents feel like a cover-up
• Sound — quieter spaces feel safer, calmer, and more solid
These observations come from years of watching real buyer reactions.
For example:
One day I unlocked the front door, and as soon as we stepped inside, all of us smelled something unpleasant. The buyers immediately turned around and walked out — without ever seeing the home.
Another time, we walked up to a front door with peeling paint, rotted trim, and a broken doorbell. The buyers looked at me and said, “We don’t need to see it.”
First impressions happen fast — and they stick.
Why These Early Moments Matter
Because emotions lead, and logic follows.
A strong first impression lowers resistance and increases openness.
A weak first impression heightens scrutiny and reduces perceived value.
Homes that make buyers feel good early tend to:
• show better
• receive stronger feedback
• attract more offers
• sell closer to list price
And often, the improvements that matter most are simple and inexpensive.
The Luxe Lane Takeaway
Regardless of price point, every listing should shine and capture the buyer’s attention. Those crucial first 10 seconds — online, at the curb, and inside — are where buyers form their most important emotional judgments.
Mastering those moments is how we help our clients have a real advantage when selling.
Want a First-Impression Audit?
If you're preparing for a move in 2026, let’s connect. As part of our Luxe Lane Method, we offer a First-Impression Walkthrough as part of our listing services.
It’s a simple way to guide our sellers to make the best 10-second impressions. Simple but effective = results.
Sources
Phys.org summary of University of Texas at Arlington research on curb appeal and home pricing (2025).
https://phys.org/news/2025-08-pay-curb-appeal-home-prices.html
National Association of REALTORS® / National Association of Landscape Professionals, 2023 Remodeling Impact Report.
https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/homeowners-zeal-for-curb-appeal-may-pay-off-handsomelyVirginia Tech Extension Study: The Effect of Landscape Plants on Perceived Home Value.
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-087/426-087.html