We never get a second chance to make a first impression. As potential buyers step into your home for the first time they will be noticing small details that set the tone and often help form their opinion. Will they want to see the rest of your home?

A few new entryway ideas will bring this area “up to speed” and insure that the buyers will want to see more. Don’t worry about high costs or major time commitments, with just a few quick changes and some inexpensive updates, your entry will warmly invite the potential new owners in.

The front door is first…
What condition is your front door in? Is the paint chipped, the varnish worn off? Or does it have gleaming paint and shining hardware?  It is a natural focal point for your home, and prospective buyers will spend a bit of time studying it and literally touching it. Invest a few dollars and some time sprucing up your door. If it is natural wood, a good coat of varnish will have it gleaming like new. If it’s already painted, even a few chips can leave a door looking scruffy.  Lightly sand the chips, fill with wood putty if needed, prime if necessary, then paint. Consider a high gloss finish and choose your color carefully. Many online home design sites have great color schemes to help with this decision. If your hardware looks tired, a quick trip to your local home improvement store can have you updated in no time. Don’t forget to take a look at your mail slot, house numbers and front door lighting (if you have these items), they should be polished or consider replacement.
Add a fresh doormat and be sure to sweep the steps, porch and walk.

Your entry way…
When buyers enter a home for the first time, they will look for a place for coats and bags in the entry area. No matter the size and style of your entryway, try to showcase this space. If your entry is long and narrow, a small coat tree or an interesting set of wall hooks can do the trick. If you already have a dedicated entry closet, be sure it’s neat and tidy to show off its full storage potential.
This is a good time to open up the space by removing any unnecessary furniture from this area, especially pieces that are used as a “dumping ground.”

Light, Light, Light
A bright, light filled entry area is both inviting and useful.  If this area lacks overhead lighting, consider adding a small table with an unobtrusive table lamp.  Be sure the lamp has a high wattage for maximum lighting. A dim entry area is both uninviting and makes tasks in this area difficult to do.

These useful and inviting entryway ideas will help set the stage for the successfully marketing your home and more importantly for the happy, new owner.