As a major Plano Texas listing broker, I spend most of my time marketing my listings and servicing clients. As part of any listing I discuss staging and showings with my sellers. While I always discuss the importance of having lots of light in the home, I never gave any thought to the impact of Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL).
CFLs have become wildly popular because they offer far more energy efficiency than the traditional incandescent light bulb. The downside is that CFLs take a few minutes to reach full brightness. Normally this is annoying at best.
Today, I was out showing and realized that this delay might have an impact on how potential buyers feel about a home. You see, the buyers we were showing a property commented on how dark and dreary the home was!
I’m recommending that sellers go back to traditional light bulbs while on the market. You can also consider one of the new CFLs out that come up to full power much quicker or LED light bulbs that have no delay.
You only get one chance to make a great first impression…let there be light!
Photo: Copyright 2011 Tom Branch
Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton. While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure. Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.
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Stager Craig Schiller tells our clients to take out the cfls and not to use the GE Reveal light bulbs...the ones with the bluish cast. He says to use the regular old soft white bulbs because they have the most flattering glow. He also suggests that light sensitive bulbs or timers be placed around the house so that buyers don't walk into a dark house at 4:30 while you're at work.
I try to get to showings early and turn on lights....If the home is dark, it will not rent
I suppose they can change the bulbs, but isn't it easier to just turn them on ahead of time or use timers if that's not possible?
Jill #3,
If they happen to be at home when it's scheduled. If not, the showing agent turns them on as they go through the home.
Tom
Leslie,
Thanks for the idea on timers...
Tom
Pretty fascinating. Lighting is important and this was a good reminder for me. I think I am adding something to my listing presentation. Thanks Tom and have a great Thanksgiving.
Cal