Creating a Good First Impression

Buyers probably make a decision whether or not to buy within the first minute or so of entering a house. They may not even be aware of this decision because it has been made subconsciously. Although the majority of buyers have a list of requirements for their purchase (number of bedrooms, proximity to the local school and so on), the decision whether or not to buy a particular house is often based on intangibles. The place has to feel right. And if it doesn't, buyers will be out of the door as fast as they came in.

So what can you do as a seller to make your house feel 'right'? First of all, you'll need to pay close attention to those subliminal messages, a technique that is often using advertising. Potential buyers will experience your house with the five senses - sight, sound, touch, and smell.

Outside, remove weeds and trim plants and lawn. Sweep paths. Inside the house, color should be soft, neutral, and easy on the eye and good lighting is essential, both natural and ambient, to create a cheerful atmosphere. Cleanliness and order throughout evoke a looked after feeling in the home. Clean windows, drapes and surfaces, especially in the kitchen, are reassuring to a buyer.

Subtle fresh scents as well as plants and flowers add life and vitality to a room. A fire in the fireplace on a chilly day creates the feeling of homeliness, as does the trick of baking something delicious-smelling in the oven. Soft background music puts the buyer at ease.

Pets, children, and sellers themselves should remain unobtrusive in order to let the prospective buyers view the home in a relaxed and comfortable manner.

It's a good idea to ask a friend to do an inspection before buyers come, as a fresh eye can often spot things or come up with ideas that you have missed.