Why should I tune in to my senses to prepare my home for sale?

Did you realize that buyers and sellers rely on their senses when it comes to their home?

Realtors use the terms “curb appeal,” “staging” and “ambiance” with sellers because they know that ultimately, those same factors attract buyers. Preparing your home for showings, you will want to follow this easy five-point sensory plan:

Sight: Clean, bright, neat, attractive and well-organized spaces explain their purpose and appeal. Fresh paint, lawn care, repairs and good lighting are key to a successful “first look.” Smell: Walking into a room that smells like fresh flowers, clean, fresh air, lemon oil, soft warm baked goods, fresh firewood burning or soft-scented candles makes one want to linger, while the smell of cleaning fluids, tobacco, pets or fabrics reeking of heavy spices serve the opposite role.

Taste: A tray of fresh baked cookies is always welcome at

showings or open houses.

Sound: Soft music, lawn chairs or a peaceful deck are always welcoming after a buyer’s busy day. Setting that tone by taking barking dogs or crying children for a walk during a showing helps. Avoid running noisy equipment or appliances and delay any activities which may cause a buyer to be distracted from appreciating the beauty of your home. Touch: Wiping down rails, cabinets, faucets, gates, doors or other surfaces with a good cleaning cloth is an easy solution to removing residue.

Now that you know to use all your senses, you can feel confident that your house is ready for a responsive buyer.