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

Imagine this: a potential buyer is scrolling through listings on their phone while waiting for their coffee at a local café in Charlotte. You’ve got maybe 10 seconds—at most—before they swipe past your property.

This is the current landscape of selling homes. First impressions are made on screens, and they happen quickly.

So if you're considering listing your home in the Carolinas or Georgia, ask yourself: Does your listing have what it takes to make someone stop and take a closer look?

Buyers Are Looking Differently Than They Used To

Today’s buyers are moving fast—and they’re inundated with options. They’re scrolling through apps, comparing homes side by side, and relying heavily on photos to decide which homes are worth visiting. If your listing doesn’t grab their attention immediately, it’s likely to be overlooked.

Most buyers won’t even think about scheduling a showing unless the listing catches their eye online first. This means that your photography, staging, and overall online presence are crucial long before you ever step into a negotiation.

While the pace of the market has eased somewhat, many areas are still seeing quick sales. According to Redfin, about 38% of homes that went under contract in June 2025 did so within two weeks of being listed. This is slower than the frenzied pace of recent years, but it’s still quick enough that sellers can’t afford to neglect presentation.

What Is the 10-Second Rule?

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

That’s the test.

Getting someone to stop scrolling doesn’t come from lengthy descriptions or exhaustive lists of features. It comes from the visuals—what they see first. If that lead photo isn’t bright, clean, and inviting, it’s likely to be skipped.

Here’s how most buyers interact with listings today:

• They skim photos more than they read
• They click only on listings that feel polished
• They quickly move on from anything that appears dark, cluttered, or outdated
• They follow the photos like a virtual tour—and lose interest if it’s hard to follow

And here’s the part many sellers overlook: the elements that grab attention aren’t always the most expensive updates. Often, it’s the clean kitchen, the natural light, and the thoughtfully arranged furniture that make the difference. The details matter, and how those details are photographed matters even more.

How to Stop the Scroll: 6 Key Elements That Make a Listing Stand Out

1. Professional Photos

Photos are the first showing. Quality images create space, highlight the best features, and feel intentional. They’re taken at the right time of day, with the right angles and lighting. Good photos can make even simple spaces feel welcoming.

In contrast, phone snapshots often look cramped and dark—and buyers notice that difference.

2. Bright, Clean, and Uncluttered Rooms

Buyers are trying to envision themselves living in the home. That’s a tough task when photos show a fridge cluttered with magnets or a bathroom filled with personal items.

Less is more. Clean surfaces, open blinds, and a few neutral pieces can make a space feel fresh without looking staged.

3. A Strong First Image

Your first photo is your digital handshake. It’s what buyers see when your listing appears in their feed—and it plays a significant role in whether they decide to click.

Think carefully about which image you lead with. It could be a beautifully staged living room, a bright kitchen, or appealing curb appeal. Choose something that draws the eye and hints at what’s to come.

4. A Thoughtful Photo Sequence

Buyers expect the photos to tell a story. When the order is jumbled—like jumping from the bathroom to the backyard and then to a hallway—it creates confusion.

A good photo flow moves through the home like a walkthrough. Start with the main living areas, then transition through bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.

5. Mobile-Friendly Formatting

Most people browse listings on their phones. If your photos are out of order, too small, or slow to load, you’re losing interest before it even has a chance to build.

A good agent will ensure your listing is optimized for every device—so no matter where someone’s looking, your home looks its best.

6. The Price Must Be Right

Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and start scrolling through homes in your area. Beyond everything else on this list, the listed price may be the most influential factor.

With more homes sitting on the market longer than in recent memory, buyers have more options to choose from. Pricing your property competitively is a significant advantage when you’re trying to catch their attention.

Why This Isn’t Just a “Nice to Have”

When your home looks great online, it gets more clicks, more showings, and more serious buyers. It’s not about tricking anyone; it’s about helping people connect with the space—and giving your home its best chance at standing out.

This doesn’t have to be a solo mission. A good agent will help you plan, prep, and present your home the right way. They’ll bring in the right photographer, know how to sequence your photos, and ensure your listing actually shows up where buyers are looking.

That’s the difference between “let’s wait and see” and “let’s go see it.”

Before You List...

Take a moment to scroll through a few listings in your neighborhood. Which ones catch your eye? Which ones make you stop? Now, picture your home in that lineup.

Would you pause on your own listing? Would you click?

If you’re not sure—or if the answer is “probably not”—you’ve got time to get it right. You don’t need to renovate or redecorate. You just need a plan and a few key decisions that help your home show up well.

And if you’re not selling just yet? Save this for later. When the time comes, you’ll be ready to hit the market with a listing that actually gets noticed.