This issue has come up more times than I can count, and it’s the simplest possible fix most of the time. I say with all the love in my heart, changing lightbulbs can save thousands of dollars of equity.
When the Lights Flicker, Buyers Flinch: What You Need to Know About Pigtail Bulbs
You’ve staged every square inch to perfection. The home feels warm, welcoming, and market-ready. But just as the buyer steps into the bathroom, turns on the light and…flicker flicker. The light hesitates, dims, then slowly brightens.
Cue the side-eyes. The concerned glances. The whispered:
“Is something wrong with the wiring?”
Let’s set the record straight.
Those older spiral-shaped compact fluorescent bulbs – commonly called “pigtail” bulbs – often flicker or take time to reach full brightness. It’s not a short circuit. It’s not a sign of an electrical issue. It’s simply outdated technology warming up.
But buyers don’t know that.
And in real estate, perception is everything. What feels like a harmless quirky bulb can plant seeds of doubt – and doubt never helps a sale.
The Simple Fix:
Swap out pigtail bulbs for modern LED bulbs in a soft, warm white (3000k is our preferred warmth). They turn on instantly, emit flattering light, and most importantly, won’t send buyers running to check the breaker panel.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that protect your biggest asset: buyer confidence.
