The 10-Second Test: Can Your South Shore Listing Pass the Scroll?

Picture this: a buyer is thumbing through home listings in the South Shore while waiting in line at the grocery store. You've got 10 seconds—tops—before they swipe past your home.

That’s the new reality of selling. First impressions happen on a screen—and they happen fast.

So if you’re getting ready to sell, ask yourself this: Does your listing actually make someone pause?

Buyers Are Looking Differently Than They Used To

Today’s buyers are moving quickly and making decisions based on what they see online. Whether they're browsing Quincy homes for sale, looking in Milton, or exploring Braintree, they’re relying heavily on photos to decide which homes are worth a showing.

In fact, most buyers won’t even consider scheduling a tour unless the listing grabs their attention first—and that happens through clean, professional visuals.

According to Redfin, 38% of homes under contract in June 2025 went pending within just two weeks. Even in a slightly slower market, that’s a fast timeline. The listings that stand out early are the ones that get the most traction.

What Is the 10-Second Rule?

If someone sees your home in a sea of 20 other listings, does it stop them long enough to click?

That’s the test.

And getting someone to stop doesn’t come from a long description or a list of features. It comes from the visual. If your lead photo isn’t clean, bright, and compelling, your home could be getting skipped—no matter how great it is in person.

Here’s how most buyers browse listings today:

• They scroll fast - usually on their phones

• They skim photos more than they read 

• They only click on listings that feel polished and professional

• They lose interest quickly in anything that looks dark, outdated, or cluttered

How to Stop the Scroll: 5 Key Elements That Make a Listing Stand Out

1. Professional Photos (and Video, too) 

The listing photos are your home’s first showing. High-quality photography highlights your best features, creates a sense of space, and helps buyers picture themselves living there.

When you sell with us, we include professional photography or videography—because that first impression matters.

2. Clean, Bright, Uncluttered Spaces 

Neutral tones, clean surfaces, and open windows can make a huge difference. You don’t need expensive upgrades. Often, it’s the simple touches that feel most inviting.

3. A Strong First Image

Your lead photo should highlight your home’s strongest feature—curb appeal, a sunny kitchen, or a welcoming living space. It sets the tone and determines whether buyers will click.

4. A Thoughtful Photo Sequence

Think of your photo order like a tour. Start with the main living areas, then bedrooms, baths, and outdoor spaces. Confusing sequences can cause buyers to lose interest.

5. Mobile-Friendly Formatting

Most people are viewing real estate in Quincy and surrounding areas on their phones. If your listing isn’t optimized for mobile, it could be overlooked—no matter how great the home is.

6: The Right Price

Even the most well-staged listing needs to be priced competitively. Whether you're selling in Quincy, Milton, or anywhere throughout the South Shore, buyers are comparing your home to others nearby. Pricing strategically can be the difference between getting overlooked and getting offers.

This Isn’t Just a “Nice to Have”

A great online presence leads to more clicks, more showings, and more serious buyers. It’s not about trying to hide flaws—it’s about helping the right buyer connect with your home.

And the good news is: you don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team works with every seller to create a custom plan—whether you’re selling a cozy bungalow in Braintree or a waterfront listing in Quincy. We coordinate photography, prepare your listing for mobile, and make sure it shines where buyers are looking.

Before You List...

Take a few minutes to scroll through homes in your area. What grabs your attention? What doesn’t?

Now picture your home in that lineup. Would you click?

If you’re not sure—or if the answer is “probably not”—you still have time to get it right.

Whether you’re getting ready to sell now or just thinking about it for the future, starting with a smart plan and a polished presentation can make all the difference.