It may seem obvious, but many sellers fail to recognize that a home that feels, looks, and smells welcoming and homey will more likely raise a buyer's interest when they come for a showing. Of course, you think your home is pretty comfortable and welcoming already, but there are a few things you can do to make buyers feel right at home from the moment they walk in the door.
- Lead With The Nose
If your home smells good, it will make buyers want to stick around longer. The sense of smell is the strongest of all the five senses in its connection to our emotions. Certain smells simply make us feel comfortable and at home no matter where we are. There are a few smells that are almost universal. Try a flameless scented burner that is safe but releases a wonderful fragrance in your home. Choose scents like vanilla or spices, smells that remind people of home cooking and sweet treats.
Be sure your fragrance isn't overwhelming, however, and don't use it to mask other odors like cat litter or food smells. Buyers will know right away you are trying to hide something!
- Let The Light Shine In
Clean your windows and open all of the blinds and curtains to let the sunshine into the home. The warm feeling will make your buyers want to settle in and bask in the glow. A brightly lit home looks bigger, too, while a dark home will appear smaller.
Be sure you replace burnt out light bulbs so your home will be fully lit and have a welcoming glow even in the evening or on a cloudy day.
- Set The Table
It may seem odd, but a table set as though a family is about to sit down to a meal makes the home feel lived in and comfortable without being cluttered or too personal. Set the table with matching dishes and a nice but simple centerpiece, to give the dining room that ready to sit down feel.
Making buyers see your house as a home is important in getting them really interested in making it their home. With just a few simple adjustments, you can create a feeling that welcomes buyers to settle in-they will want to make an offer so they never have to leave!