1st Impressions: What Guests Notice When They Enter Your Home

A clean kitchen, fresh scent, and cheerful entryway make all the difference in how your home feels to visitors.

Owners who step into their homes with fresh eyes can identify what guests or buyers will notice first. alvarez/Getty Images

Whether you’re hosting a party or trying to sell your house, first impressions of your home matter. There are things that people notice when they first enter. Some may be great, but others should be avoided. Here are some things that are immediately noticed when a guest or potential buyer enters your home.

The Smell

The scent in your house greets visitors right away. You want their noses to have a good experience as they walk into your home.

Dominic DeMaria of Porcupine Real Estate in New Hampshire told The Epoch Times: “Pet smell is a big deal. As the owner of two large dogs, [I know that] it can be easy to be blind to your own pet’s odors.”

Odor-neutralizing products help with alleviating pet odors, as do regularly cleaning and ventilating.

DeMaria noted that a home may have a musty and unpleasant odor. This is particularly true in older houses.

“These smells can be an indicator of problems that haven’t been addressed by the current owner,” he said. It could affect the buyer.

For visitors, the musty odor may give the impression of uncleanliness. To locate the odor’s source, follow your nose to pinpoint the area where it is the strongest. Check for common culprits such as leaks, mold, or spoiled food.

Ambient Lighting

Good lighting is welcoming in a home. Your guest will notice. People want to see each other, and a dimly lit home can make your visitor uncomfortable. This also goes for selling your home.

“Natural light is super important to me as a buyer,” DeMaria said. “When I enter a home, I like to see clean windows with minimal window treatments that let in the most natural light possible.”

He noted that a light and airy home is easier for buyers to envision for themselves.

If your house doesn’t get much natural lighting, you can always add a few more table or floor lamps. You can also increase wattage in some bulbs.

Natural light creates an inviting atmosphere and helps guests or buyers imagine themselves in the space. Cats Coming/Pexels

Clutter and Cleanliness

Guests will notice immediately if your space isn’t tidy. Common areas should be clutter-free. Make sure that your coffee table and surfaces are clear to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

The cleanliness of the kitchen and bathrooms is especially important. If guests are coming or you’re showing your house, take a moment to wipe down counters and clean the appliance surfaces.

Solid Door Handles

Think of your front door handle as your home’s handshake. If it’s outdated, loose, or grimy, it introduces an ill-kept home. It subtly tells the visitor that you don’t care.

A modern and solid door handle gives a sense of quality. Guests may not notice if you have a good handle, but they will if you don’t.

Outlet Covers and Light Switch Plates

Most homeowners don’t even notice these. But remember, they are all over your walls. If they are yellowed or paint-splattered, they age a room. They also give the whole house a sloppy appearance.

Swapping them out with consistent colors is an easy update without the large investment.

Entryways

A traditional entryway needs pizzazz. Go to town on finishes and fixtures. This is your guest’s first encounter with your house; it should be eye-catching.

Rugs, tile, and mats can turn the floor into an accent. If the entryway is large enough, you might want to add some large artwork to the space. Cheerful lighting at the doorway will also make guests feel welcomed.

A clean yard and well-designed entryway welcome guests and provide the first glimpse of the home's personality. Roger Starnes Sr/Unsplash

Greenery That Pops

Houseplants add color and texture to your home and have mood-boosting qualities that will aid in the liveliness of your gatherings. If you have an abundance of plants, your guests will give you positive comments.

Beginners can start out with low-maintenance plants such as snake plants, succulents, or even faux plants to liven up their spaces.

Empty Walls

Empty walls give an unlived-in feeling that doesn’t seem welcoming. It’s worth spending some time and budget on this. You don’t need to break the bank, but adding some framed photos or artwork can liven up your space.

If artwork isn’t your style, mirrors, shelves, and even textiles have a similar effect.

What Guests Don’t Notice

You may be surprised, but little things such as that meticulously placed vase or perfectly fluffed pillow may go unnoticed by your guests.

Don’t worry about the bedrooms unless you’re expecting guests to enter them. If your clothes are piled on a chair, just close the door. But if you’re selling your house, you'll want to put everything away.

Expensive dining room chairs, plates, or silverware won’t matter if the rest of the house offers a poor first impression. So don’t blow your budget on something that isn’t a priority for your guests. Instead, set your table with fun things such as a funny centerpiece or unusual napkin rings.

It’s Time to Inspect Your House

Enter your house and try to be objective as to what is noticeable. Does it have a foul odor? Is the entryway boring? Take the opportunity to make your house more inviting and memorable to your guests.