Sellers, Make a Good First Impression

Selecting a home is not usually based on logic alone. Most buyers are swayed by the initial emotion they feel when they first walk through a property. Almost instantly, the home either feels right or feels wrong. That first impression can be the beginning of a successful sale, or it can be a prohibitive factor that will have to be overcome. Good first impressions, feelings and emotions often control the sale, and logic can take a distant second place in the decision process.

Here are four important factors to consider before showing your home to a prospective buyer:
· Scent – First, be sure to eliminate any unpleasant odors, such as animal odor, cigarettes, pipes or cigars, and strong cooking odors. Next, air out the house as often as possible. Fresh air flowing through a home can make a big difference. Lastly, fill the home with scents that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. Be careful not to overdo it. A simple light vanilla scent will please most people. And, if you are inclined, you can always bake a batch of fresh cookies before a showing or open house!

· Sound – Whether you live on a quiet cul-de-sac or on Sunset Blvd., playing soft neutral music during a showing is always a nice touch. Keep the volume low – remember, it’s purpose is to relax the buyer. If the home has sound wired throughout each room, the music will also give you an opportunity to demonstrate a feature of the home.

· Setting – Creating a visually inviting environment is critical. From the front yard all the way through to the back, it is important to set the mood. This can be accomplished by sprucing up the landscape, clearing all surfaces of clutter and personal items, putting fresh flowers on display, setting the dining table, and lighting candles.

· Brightness – One of the most common criteria on a buyer’s list is brightness. Open all blinds and draperies to let in as much natural light as possible. Turn on lights in dark corners. Add lamps as necessary to increase the amount of light in applicable areas. In addition to feeling good, this will also make the home appear larger.

Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so use these suggestions to help make a buyer fall in love with your home!