Have you ever walked up to a house for sale and decided how you felt about it before you even opened the door? Most of us have. It’s human nature to form opinions quickly. We do it when meeting people, and we do it when judging properties. In real estate, this snap judgment has financial consequences. A buyer’s first impression can either boost the perceived value of a home or sink it before negotiations even start.

That moment—stepping out of the car, walking toward the front, taking in the yard, the porch, the entryway—sets the tone for everything that follows. Buyers may tell themselves they’re focused on practical things like square footage or kitchen updates, but their gut reactions often lead the way.

Sellers who recognize this understand the importance of preparing the outside of

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