Although open houses tend to directly lead to only 2% of home sales, they still remain an integral part of selling a home. Conducting the ideal open house takes time and effort, both on behalf of the seller and the real estate agent. If the home is presented in a lackluster, unimpressive fashion, it will likely garner an unfavorable reputation in the local community. If it is presented beautifully and clearly, however, it can only raise the chances of the home being sold sooner rather than later. For sellers finally ready to stage their homes, here are five ways to spice up the presentation.
Activate the Sense of Smell
The proper open house delivery activates as many of the human senses as possible. While potential buyers will mostly be using their eyes to determine whether or not a property is worth committing to, activating their sense of smell in the process certainly won’t hurt a seller’s chances. It’s advised that sellers fill their homes with soothing fragrances that offer a refreshing, inviting air. Vanilla or strawberry fragrances are light and welcoming, which makes them great for a home’s entry hallway. Additionally, it’s a good practice to present the room with closed doors and fill them with fragrances that complement their aesthetic. For instance, a minimalist bathroom with a modern build can have its initial impression accentuated by the mindful use of a few frankincenses. In any case, it’s important to clear the home of foul odors before adding new fragrances, since these will only serve to add a layer on top of the older, mustier smell if it isn’t removed beforehand.
Get Some Plants and Display Them Properly
Not only do plants aid in freshening up the air of a home, but they also add to the home’s aesthetic by making the place seem more natural and inviting. While having a home completely void of plant life isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can lead some potential buyers to view the home as overly bare and even lifeless. Investing in a few small plants can do wonders in terms of casting the ideal first impression for potential buyers walking through the door.
Put Out a Nice Spread of Food
Going back to the theme of activating the five senses, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to appeal to prospective buyers’ sense of taste. Offering a few food items on a buffet table at the home’s entrance will at least lead possible buyers to want to stay in the home for longer, and each second they remain in a home increases the chances of them liking it enough to potentially buy it. Given all of the competing listings found in the Bay Area housing market, it’s important for sellers to stand out from the pack, and a buffet stocked with delicious treats can only aid the seller’s chances of doing so.
