Why the First Five Minutes of an Open Home Can Add Thousands to Your Sale

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression — and in luxury real estate, that couldn’t be more true. For prestige buyers, decisions are often made in minutes, not hours. The way your home feels from the moment they step onto the driveway can be the difference between a casual look and a serious offer.

At Team Oliver Jonker, we see this happen daily, and that’s why we’ve mastered the art of engaging their emotions from the very first step. Here are our top tips for creating an open home experience that drives stronger offers in Brisbane’s prestige market.

Street Appeal Sets the Tone

In Brisbane’s prestige suburbs, curb appeal sets the tone before buyers even step inside. 

Manicured gardens, freshly painted facades, well-lit driveways, and a pristine entryway create an inviting sense of arrival. Even small touches, a polished front door or thoughtfully maintained landscaping, signal care and quality. 

And don’t overlook practicality: smooth, stress-free parking and easy access make buyers feel welcome from the very moment they arrive, setting a positive tone for the rest of the viewing.

The Entryway Moment

The moment buyers step inside, your home should captivate. 

Whether it’s a sweeping staircase, expansive open-plan living, or a perfectly framed view, the entryway sets the tone for the entire visit. 

Engaging the senses is just as important as visual presentation – think fresh flowers, subtle background music, and comfortable climate control to make the space feel inviting and alive. 

The Importance of Staging

When it comes to luxury real estate, buyers aren’t just purchasing a property — they’re investing in how it makes them feel. 

Even small flaws in presentation during those first moments can create doubt, while a seamless, thoughtfully staged home inspires confidence. In fact, a staged home can increase its value an average of 12%, and studies show that 9 out of 10 buyers struggle to see the full potential of an unstaged home. 

Put simply, prestige buyers are looking for that “wow factor”; if it isn’t delivered immediately, they often mentally downgrade the property before they’ve even explored it fully.

The Payoff for Sellers

When every detail of your prestige property is carefully curated, the results speak for themselves. Buyers notice, linger, and emotionally connect with your home, often translating into higher offers and faster sales. In Brisbane’s luxury market, where first impressions can make or break a sale, investing in presentation isn’t just aesthetic — it’s strategic.

Partnering with an experienced luxury agent ensures your property is presented at its absolute best, giving you the confidence that your open home will leave a lasting impression. 

Ready to showcase your home the way it deserves? Contact Team Oliver Jonker today and let us help you make every moment count.