|
Staging your home for sale is not all about the way it looks to buyers; it’s also about the way it feels.
Buyers have short listed properties by using certain criteria – what
rooms they need, where they want
to be located etc. However, once a shortlist has been finalised and they start viewing these potential home, buyers react to property with their emotions, and emotions are triggered by all the senses, not
just sight.
How does this work in practise? After all – touching, tasting, smelling and hearing are surely not on
buyers minds, right? – WRONG. All these senses are being subconsciously stimulated when a buyer views
your property, and if one of them produces a negative reaction, the buyer will feel something isn’t
right with your property (even if they can’t put their finger on it), and will move onto the next house
on their shortlist. They need to be able to visualise themselves living there, so using all their senses
helps to ensure that they form a positive bond with your home and that it stands out above its competition.
Sound
Silence is deadly, but loud noises can be too. You need to find a middle ground for
selling. Try and ensure children and animals are quiet or out of the house for viewings, that the TV
is off, washing machine isn’t running etc. Buyers don’t want to be reminded that this is your home;
they just want to picture themselves living there. They don’t want to think about the daily running
of a home, they want to be inspired to a better way of life. Relaxing background music is perfect (classic
fm works well!), this also creates a little background noise so that buyers feel that they can talk
between themselves without being overheard. It will make them feel more comfortable in your home, and
more inclined to take their time looking around.
Smell
The olfactory sense is the strongest and most memorable of the 5 senses. Got a dog?
Do you smoke? Just cooked a meal? You may not be able to smell it, but I can guarantee that buyers will
pick up on any smells in your home, good or bad. Use a friend to give you an honest opinion, and rectify
the issue wherever possible. Have carpets cleaned, open windows etc. and when viewings take place ensure
that the buyers are smelling fresh flowers, pot pouri and scented candles rather than last nights take
away!
Sight
This goes without saying – ensure your home looks the best it can – get it staged professionally
if necessary – the look of your home is a key selling point. Declutter, clean, tidy, redecorate – make
it stand out amongst the competition in the photos taken by your estate agent – draw those buyers in.
Touch
Although buyers aren’t going to go around your home touching everything they see, don’t
underestimate this sense. Buyers will touch areas like work surfaces (are they real granite etc.), and
showers (are they powerful). The last thing you want is for them to feel crumbs or dirt as this sends
out the signal that the house isn’t cared for. Ensure your home is the cleanest it’s ever been. If your
home looks as new as possible it will entice more buyers.
|