What Buyers Notice in the First Two Minutes- and How to Nail It

What Buyers Notice in the First Two Minutes- and How to Nail it 

In the competitive property market, first impressions are everything. Before a buyer even crosses your threshold, they’ve already started forming opinions—often subconsciously—about whether your home feels right and those crucial first two minutes can be the difference between a quick offer and a lingering listing.

So, what exactly are buyers noticing as they arrive and how can you make sure those first two minutes deliver the kind of emotional connection that leads to a sale?

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
shares the breakdown of buyer psychology at play and offers practical ways to enhance your home’s first impressions without breaking the bank.

1. The Driveway Moment

The moment a potential buyer arrives at the entrance to your property, their eyes scan the perimeter for two things: security and maintenance. If the first thing a buyer notices is that the gate needs painting, the fence is broken and easy to access and the driveway is overrun with weeds, it sets a negative tone for the rest of the inspection. And, in South Africa, where safety is a priority, the presence and condition of security features immediately set a tone.

Buyers notice:

• The condition of electric fencing or palisade fencing
• The state of your gate motor and intercom system
• Whether your driveway is clean, oil-stain-free, and well-lit
• Visible surveillance cameras or signs of alarm systems

How to nail it:

• Ensure everything works. A malfunctioning gate motor gives the impression of neglect and potential hassle.
• Tidy up. Sweep the driveway, trim back overgrown shrubs that obscure visibility, and repaint rusty gates or walls.
• Add subtle lighting. Solar lights or a functional outdoor lamp at your gate can make an entrance feel more secure and welcoming after dark.
• Polish your street-facing signage. If your house number is missing or faded, replace it or if there are weeds growing through the driveway paving, remove them. These small details show care and pride.

2. Kerb Appeal Matters

In a world of online listings and video tours, some sellers underestimate the power of kerb appeal. But the physical arrival still triggers emotional responses. In those first seconds, buyers are evaluating whether your home looks loved.

Buyers notice:

• Paint condition and colour
• The front garden (or lack thereof)
• Roofing, gutters, and window cleanliness
• Overall harmony of design and upkeep

How to nail it:

• Paint the façade or boundary walls if they’re faded or stained—fresh paint offers a high return on investment. And don’t forget about the front door.
• Clear gutters and downpipes to signal good maintenance.
• Clean windows and polish front door handles to suggest cleanliness throughout.
• Add life. A potted plant near the entrance or flowering shrubs creates instant appeal—even in small spaces.

3. Visible Water-Saving Features

As water scarcity becomes a growing concern, buyers are consciously noting homes that help reduce utility dependence.

Buyers notice:

• Rainwater tanks (JoJo tanks), greywater systems, or drip irrigation
• Indigenous, low-maintenance plants
• Mulched flower beds and signs of water-wise landscaping

How to nail it:

• Clean and label water-saving systems—a neat JoJo tank with a small sign showing its use (e.g., “Irrigates garden”) is a conversation starter.
• Swap thirsty grass patches for pebbles, succulents, or indigenous ground covers.
• Use signage. A small chalkboard with “This garden uses 60% less water” during showings can be very effective.

 4. Outdoor Spaces

For many South Africans, the garden is an extension of the living space, often used for weekend braais, family gatherings, or even quiet time after a long day at work. Buyers don’t just want to see a patch of grass—they want to imagine life happening there.

Buyers notice:

• Covered patios or braai areas
• Shade-providing trees or pergolas
• Space for children to play or host guests
• Fire pits, seating zones, or water features

How to nail it:

• Stage your patio. Even a small table with two chairs and a plant can transform a blank space into an imagined lifestyle.
• Clean and repair paving stones, outdoor lights, or wooden decks.
• Use scent and sound. A subtle wind chime or lavender plant creates atmosphere.
• Highlight functionality. If your garden has a pizza oven or built-in braai, make sure it’s clean, functional, and mentioned in your listing.

5. The Threshold Experience

Once buyers step inside, they do a quick scan: does it smell fresh? Is it clean? Does it feel spacious? This is the moment when emotion either kicks in—or shuts down.

Buyers notice:

• Odours (pets, damp, strong food smells)
• Cleanliness of floors and windows
• Clutter or overcrowded furniture
• The temperature and lighting

How to nail it:

• Open the space. Remove excess furniture to create room to breathe. Less really is more.
• Air it out. Ventilate the home and use subtle scents—think citrus, fresh linen, or vanilla.
• Let the light in. Open curtains, clean windows and turn on soft ambient lighting.
• Keep it neutral. Strong décor or personalised items (e.g., family photos, religious icons) can unintentionally alienate buyers.

6.Create Emotional Hooks

Once the basics are sorted, you can add low-cost emotional hooks that help people feel like they’re already home.

Try these:

• A vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of oranges or bright, polished apples on the kitchen counter
• A cosy reading nook with a blanket and soft lighting
• Playing soft easy-listening music in the background
• Displaying a cookbook open to a hearty South African recipe in the kitchen

Buyers don’t just purchase homes—they buy into how the space makes them feel and the first two minutes are your golden window of opportunity to trigger that sense of connection. Focus on security, presentation, sustainability, and culturally resonant features to make your home instantly appealing.

Most importantly, keep it simple. You don’t need a renovation budget - just care, attention to detail, and a bit of imagination. Because in the end, a buyer’s heart moves faster than their head—and once you’ve won that, the offer’s not far behind.