Preparing Your Home for Sale

Sensory Appeal is just as important as Curb Appeal. Buyers are led by their senses when choosing a new home

SIGHT
The visual appearance of a home prompts potential buyers more than any other factor. Once homeowners step inside, they decide in the first 10 seconds whether or not they want to buy your home. It is essential that they be greeted with a spotless, ready-to-move-into home, offering a neutral canvas for their furnishings. Clean or freshly painted walls and spotlessly clean or brand new carpeting are a must. Hardwood floors must be in excellent condition. Any floor tile should be in a light neutral, with no cracks and healthy grout lines. Furniture must be arranged to show space and function and at the same time guide the eye towards positive features of the home and away from the negative.





Light is the second most quoted reason for choosing a home. Make sure all lights work and, where necessary, replace light bulbs with a higher wattage. Replace dark or worn lampshades with new, sheer or white shades. Paint walls and dark woodwork in light, neutral paint. Replace heavy, dark window treatments with lighter sheer curtains. Clean all windows inside and out so that the sun can shine in.

SCENT
Nothing will turn away a potential buyer faster than an unpleasant smell. Welcome buyers and make them feel comfortable by greeting them with a pleasant aroma such as cinnamon or vanilla. Baked cookies, pie or bread trigger a comfort response and make a house feel like a home. A few drops of vanilla warmed in the oven yields the same result. Remove litter boxes. Keep trash can clean at all times. Open windows before a showing when possible.

SOUND
Creaking floors, dripping faucets, and noisy heating systems could be a cause for concern to a buyer. Neighborhood noises such as traffic and barking dogs can be distracting. Playing soft jazz or classical music can help the home feel more relaxing and help buyers to concentrate on positive features. Buyers' perceived value of your home is based on the reaction of their senses.

TOUCH
Texture, added throughout the house, is appealing to the eye and to the touch and will add an element of style which translates into perceived value.
Help buyers feel comfortable and at home by keeping the temperature warm in the winter and cool in the summer.