Preparing your home for sale?
You are not alone, many New Hampshire Seacoast homeowners are hoping to find a buyer, and your house has plenty of competition on the market. To guarantee you make the best impression on buyers, I suggest you keep in mind that "sensory" appeal is just as important as "curb" appeal.
SIGHT
The visual appearance of a house prompts potential buyers more than any other factor.
Once homeowners step inside, they decide almost immediately whether or not they want to buy. It is essential that their first impression be a positive one. The entryway should be spotless, clutter free and welcome them with a feeling of home.
Clean or freshly painted walls and spotlessly clean or brand new carpeting are a must. Hardwood floors must be in excellent condition. Floor tile should be a light neutral color, in excellent condition.
Throughout the house, furniture must be arranged to show space and function and at the same time guide the eye toward positive features of the house 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. A few drops of vanilla warmed in the oven yields the same result as baked cookies, triggering a comfort response.
Remove litter boxes. Keep trash can clean at all times. Open windows before a showing when possible.
A word of caution: be careful with the use of scented candles and air fresheners. Over use can cause buyers to suspect you are trying to mask an offesnsive odor. Also, many people have allergies to scented products.
Be sure to keep laundry room clutter free and keep all dirty laundry inside machine.
An excess of dirty clothing allowed to pile up can be the source of a very unappealing smell.
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.
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.
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Great article Sharon. If only sellers would buy into all of these ideas. Pet owners especially have a hard time not understanding why the dog bowl or kitt litter box shouldn't be out in the open. Loved the pictures - wish I had a laundry room like that!
Sheila: I wish I had a laundry room like that too! You are right about pet owners. Many times I've noticed a smell as soon as I walk in the door. I had one realtor tell me once that the destroyed arm chair in the master bedroom was ok, because other pet owners would understand it was the dogs chair. No, I don't think so. I told them the chair had to be covered or removed from the room.
Sharon - Great information!
Wanda: Thank you!
Great article. Love the bowl of lemons-so fresh and my favorite scent!!
When I was a Realtor several decades ago, it was Sight, Sound, and Smell. Interesting that you've added Touch. In order for the alliteration to work, we need to find a synonym for Touch that begins with an S.
Cathy: Thanks. I love lemons too! It's funny, even if you can't smell them, they still make you think "fresh" just by seeing them.
Russell: Good idea, but I don't have one. Maybe someone else can come up with something.
Dear Sharon,
Such a wonderful post with great pictures! You touched on all of the senses.
Smell is the one that really gets to me. So many sellers use strong potpourris or other scent deliverers that give me and many people a headache. These strong scents don't cover up odors. I really don't like the combination or lilac and eau de catpee! A natural scent is so much easier on us!
Thanks for commenting on my post.
I appreciate the encouragement!
Barbara
Barbara: Thank you! I am very sensitive to smell, too. It can be very uncomfortable having to sit next to someone at a movie or be in a car wiith someone who has a strong perfume on. That is why I mentioned the warning about using candles and air fresheners. Too many people think they are covering up offensive smells, when actually they are making it much worse. I love your expression "eau de catpee" and totally agree with you!