So, you’ve decided to buy that cute little fixer-upper at the back of the neighborhood. You’ve weighed the pros and cons of your decision, and you’re game to tackle several moderate (and a couple major) renovations. Congratulations! This will be an adventure. We understand you’re excited about making the home yours, inside and out. But before you start knocking down walls and installing new heat pumps, put down that sledgehammer—just for a second.

Home sellers never have a second chance for a first impression. First impressions take place online long before buyers ever visit your home.