It is all about a potential buyer’s initial impression to create desire vs. need. We want the “WOW” factor. This can be accomplished by incorporating the five senses:
Sight: Light is extremely important. Natural light should be used a much as possible. Curtains should be opened and all forms of clutter removed. Shrubs and trees should be trimmed, the lawn edged, and flowers planted for color.
Touch: Your home must be cleaned from top to bottom—no grime on the kitchen/bathroom counters!
Smell: By far, the most important:
Your home should smell fresh and clean.
- No smoking inside
- Eliminate animal smells (make sure that cat litter box is clean and out of the house if possible).
- Empty all waste baskets
- Any laundry must be put away and not visible.
- Eliminate mold and mildew if present
- All cooking smells cleared
- Diaper pails must be emptied
- Open the windows 20-30 minutes a day to free any odors
- If you can, provide some fresh flowers
Taste: Prior to a showing, set out some individually wrapped candies for prospective buyers and their agents or host a wine and cheese party during a broker’s open for example.
Sound: Play a CD of soft classical music at a low volume. Also, there is nothing worse than a barking dog or traffic noise. Make sure you make arrangements for your pet prior to a showing, Also, if you live in a high traffic area, plan your showings around the time when there is less noise, i.e., in the middle of the day.
Next time we’ll concentrate on how to make a first impression.