It's been a long time since I posted a real estate article, so ... this is the article that went out in my newsletter. Hope someone finds it helpful. :)
So you've decided to sell your home. Let's take a look at some of the things you can do to increase your chances for a quick success.
First of all, it helps to understand the mindset of the typical home buyer. Most buyers have certain priorities in mind when they shop for a house. By the time they finally make an offer to purchase, they have probably visited several places which meet their basic needs.
What makes them choose one home above the others?
Once the basic requirements have been met, choosing a home is ultimately an emotional decision for many buyers. They may weigh the pros and cons carefully, but in the end, they'll often choose the one that "feels" right.
So how do you make your house appeal to the senses like a dream home? The trick is to communicate subconsciously by feeding the five senses.
Try these special tips practiced by savvy real estate agents to tip the scales in your favour:
- greet your visitors with the scent of fresh flowers or the aroma of freshly-baked bread or cookies
- have pleasant music playing softly in the background
- give the impression of spaciousness and airiness - remove bulky furniture and clutter, open the curtains, turn on extra lights
- display colour photos of outdoor views during different seasons near the front and back doors
- build a homey atmosphere - have family photographs tastefully arranged here and there, but don't overdo it!
- add warmth whenever possible - light a fire or a few candles, turn on lamps rather than overhead lights, close curtains at night
- see to your guests' comfort - prepare a spot for coats and footwear, and arrange seating to help them with their shoes/boots depending on the season
These are some of the strategies especially effective for open houses - an occasion when it's in your best interests to pull out all the stops. For private visits and showings, be creative and do whatever you can on short notice to make your home appealing to the "senses" of your potential buyers.
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