What Buyers Notice First at Autumn Open Inspections (And What They Don’t!)

Autumn is one of the best times of year to sell real estate in Adelaide. So what do buyers look for at autumn open inspections? And what do they miss?

In the summer months, buyers at open inspections first notice a leafy street, shade around the home, and a cool, airconditioned interior. But in autumn, it is a home’s outdoor maintenance, vibe, structural issues, functionality, and lifestyle factors that generally influence their impression of a property.

Buyers first notice a property’s street presence - it forms a powerful first impression. So, while autumn leaves may be pretty, when they are cluttering front lawns, driveways, garden beds and gutters, buyers will see a neglected property.

Buyers are immediately impacted by three things when they enter a home:

1. Light
2. Smell
3. Ambience

Why? Because the combination of these three factors directly influences their sense of comfort – and dark homes, bad smells and a gloomy atmosphere don’t make prospective buyers feel comfortable.

Savvy buyers are on the lookout for cracks, uneven floors, bubbling or peeling paint, mould, and doors or windows that stick, indicating the potential for foundation or moisture issues around the home.

Buyers will assess and inspect the amount of available storage space. Even if it is limited, well-organised and clutter-free storage systems will be a positive in the eyes of buyers.

Functionality includes the layout, flow and state of appliances, so homes with study nooks, clear indoor/outdoor flow, and clean, working appliances will get a tick of approval from buyers.

An inviting outdoor area adds lifestyle appeal, as does proximity to local shops, good schools and public transport. Whether it’s a courtyard, alfresco, garden setting or balcony, an alluring outdoor space is a plus.

For many buyers, a clean and spacious garage, workshop or shed is important. They may want to store cars, boats, trailers or caravans or have a useful workspace for projects or hobbies.

Open inspections for properties near train lines, busy roads or flight paths are usually scheduled for the quietest times, so buyers may not notice environmental noise.

Buyers don’t always pay attention to the home’s orientation in autumn when northern light is less important. So, a lack of natural light may not be discernible at an autumn open inspection if artificial lights are switched on.

In autumn, some unpleasant odours are less obvious such as mouldy smells or dampness, and may be masked by air fresheners, incense and scented candles, so buyers notice the pleasant smell and not the odour.

At autumn open inspections buyers don’t always notice a home’s lack of airflow, ventilation, air conditioning systems or level of insulation, due to more autumn’s more moderate temperatures.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Adelaide this autumn, give us a call or visit our offices – our hardworking sales team would love to help!