What is Screen Appeal (And Why Does It Matter When I Sell My Home)?

You've heard of curb appeal, but do you understand the importance of screen appeal when you are selling your home in St. George? The way your home's appeal translates over a screen is essential in a successful home sale in today's real estate market. 

In today’s digital world, the first impression your home makes on potential buyers isn’t at the curb, it’s on their screen. Whether they’re scrolling through online listings, browsing social media, or viewing a virtual tour, buyers are making decisions about your home before they ever step foot inside. This is where screen appeal comes into play.

What is Screen Appeal?

Screen appeal is a term that has been coined to describe how visually appealing and engaging your home appears in online listings and digital marketing. Just like curb appeal is crucial for in-person viewings, screen appeal is essential for attracting buyers online and generating interest in your home.

High-quality photos, compelling videos, and well-crafted descriptions join together to create your home's screen appeal, and they can make all the difference in whether your home stands out.

Why Does Screen Appeal Matter?

Screen appeal is worth the focus of some of your time and resources in the selling process because it offers such essential benefits. 

1. First Impressions Happen Online

You know that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Did you also know that studies show that over 90% of homebuyers start their search online? Whether they are about to visit your open house, their realtor lined up a showing, or they are just searching an online platform, just about every potential buyer is going to see the online listing before they see your home in person. 

If your listing photos are dark, blurry, or unflattering, buyers will likely scroll past your home without a second thought. Strong screen appeal ensures that your home grabs their attention and encourages them to schedule a showing.

2. More Clicks = More Interest

A visually appealing online listing gets more clicks, which can lead to more inquiries, showings, and offers. The more interest your home generates, the higher the chances of a quick sale at a competitive price. Some online platforms may even boost your listing if it is getting more clicks.

3. Sets Clear Expectations

It's important to present your home in it's best light, literally and figuratively, but you still want it to be accurate and honest. The most efficient way to find your ideal buyer is to show the reality of your home so that the buyer who is the right fit can easily identify it online. When buyers see high-quality, well-lit, and accurately staged photos, they have a better understanding of what to expect. This can lead to more serious buyers viewing your home in person, reducing the likelihood of wasted showings.

4. Competing with Other Listings

In a competitive housing market like St. George, your home needs to stand out. Professional photos, drone shots, virtual tours, and 3D walkthroughs can give your listing a competitive edge over others with poor-quality visuals.

Improving Your Home's Screen Appeal

When you understand the importance of screen appeal, the next obvious step is finding out how to boost this factor in your own home. Here are some tried and true tips to help:

• High-resolution, well-lit images taken by a real estate photographer can showcase your home in the best possible light. We'll make sure you have excellent photography for your listing.
• Declutter, depersonalize, and arrange furniture to highlight your home’s best features. A clean, neutral, and well-organized space photographs much better than a cluttered or overly personalized one. In some cases, hiring a professional to stage your home might be worth the investment.
• The first image in your listing is often the exterior of your home. Make sure landscaping is tidy, the lawn is mowed, and outdoor spaces are clean and inviting.
• Great visuals should be paired with a well-written listing description. We can highlight key features, recent upgrades, and unique selling points to capture buyer interest based on information you're able to share about the home. 

Our Erika Rogers also emphasizes the importance of an experienced professional's perspective: "We can help you decide what needs to be the focus of your efforts in boosting your home's screen appeal. Every home is different, so this is where personalized advice from an experienced realtor comes in so handy."

Ready to learn more about the St. George real estate market or the current value of your home? Contact us any time.