Presale Preparation

When you’re selling your home, you want to make it as attractive as possible to buyers. One compelling strategy that has been gaining traction is the application of Feng Shui principles to home staging.

How?

Embracing Feng Shui staging techniques starts with decluttering. Clutter restricts the free flow of 'chi' or positive energy. Hence, a clean, clutter-free space is crucial. It promotes an open, spacious feel, which in turn evokes a sense of tranquillity and comfort.

Natural lighting, a key element in Feng Shui, is another crucial consideration. Bright spaces are synonymous with positivity and openness. Ensuring ample natural light penetrates every corner of the home helps draw positive energy in and makes the space look larger and more inviting.

In Feng Shui, colours hold significant meaning. For instance, earth tones such as beige and soft yellow can create a welcoming environment, while blues and greens, symbolizing water and wood elements respectively, encourage tranquillity. Incorporating these colour schemes can create a balanced and calming atmosphere, which is sure to appeal to potential buyers.

The positioning of furniture also plays a role in Feng Shui. Furniture should be arranged to promote a smooth flow of energy and should not obstruct pathways. In smaller spaces in particular, strategic furniture placement can make the area appear more substantial and organized.

You don’t have to go full-on Feng Shui to make your home look great to buyers. But, implementing a few of these ideas can pay off if buyers get a more positive and serene feeling when viewing your home.

Painting your home, especially the main floor, is the most affordable way to make your listing look great to buyers. But what paint colours should you choose?

Here are a few tips.

When it comes to selecting a palette, neutrality reigns supreme. Bright, eccentric colours may reflect your personality, but remember, you're trying to appeal to a wide array of potential buyers. Neutral colours like whites, greys, and beiges are not only safe but also allow buyers to envision their own furniture and decor in the space.

However, don't think of neutral as boring. Many subtle shades can add depth and character to a room. For example, a soft grey with a hint of blue can make a space feel serene and relaxing, and is ideal for bathrooms or bedrooms.

The living room and kitchen are often social hubs of a home, and warmer neutrals can make these spaces feel welcoming. Shades like taupe or a creamy off-white can make these areas inviting yet versatile.

Lastly, remember to take lighting into account. The way a colour appears can dramatically change under different lighting conditions. Always test paint samples under various light conditions before committing.

Although weekends are a prime time to schedule viewings, many buyers will prefer to see your property on a weekday evening. Buyers might, for example, be interested in your listing but be out of town on the weekend. If you don’t accommodate their request for a weekday evening appointment, you might lose that opportunity.

So, when it comes to scheduling viewing appointments, being flexible and accommodating is always advised.

But, what if you’re going to be away during the week or have another reason why you can’t show your home Monday to Friday?

There are a few options you can consider.

One is to use a Lock Box. This is a secure box that contains a front door key. (You may have seen these when shopping for a home yourself.) Only your real estate agent has access. If a different agent wants to show a client your home, they’ll need to make an appointment and get access from your agent.

A Lock Box can ease any security concerns you have about showing your home while away.

Another option is to not schedule weekday appointments but be VERY accommodating during the weekend. That means allowing a potential buyer to see your property Sunday at 7:00 PM. It’s essentially a trade-off, but it can work.

Finally, if you don’t want appointments during the week because you have such a busy household — kids in school, evening work shifts, etc. — consider making just one weekday available. For example, offer showings on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:30 PM. That might be a slight inconvenience, but it will have been worth it if an interested buyer sees your property and makes a good offer.

Bottom line: Do what you can to make it as easy as possible for buyers to see your home.

Want more tips on selling your home faster and for top dollar? Call me.