Adding some more "feelings" to homes for sale

Why do some houses just feel right to some people as soon as they walk into them? People often say that the home just felt right, or that it had a good "vibe" or that it called to them, or that it just made them feel comfortable.

I have realized that different people react to different spaces, as we are all different but there are some similarities or things that appeal to us all in an universal level.

Most people will enjoy a house that is warm when they walk in from the cold, most people also enjoy a property that is clean and not cluttered, but they will not feel embraced and comforted by a house that is empty. Vacant homes, feel cold and empty, devoid or spirit and essence, which makes it more difficult for someone to see themselves living there.

Sometimes we walk into a house that has a strong spirit or essence of the person who is living there, and although this may evoke a strong emotional response  in some people, this is not a good thing as the buyer cannot imagine themselves living in the house, the house may be too infused with the spirit and taste of its present owner. We should avoid this.

To evoke an emotional response,that will attract most people, we tend to think of simple, not cluttered spaces, but spaces that are warm and inviting, like a sitting area or nook by a fireplace with wool throws, maybe a wool rug and knitted pillows scattered around. Anything that has a natural feel and some texture ads a different dimension to a space, like basket weaves knits on large baskets, which are great for holding magazines, or natural wood for the fireplace or they can be used as holders for plants.

Hardwood floors should not be covered if at all possible, specially if the floors are new or in great shape. We need to remember that these are attractive features that the buyer needs to be reminded off and should not be concealed.

If you can have a fire going while doing the showing or open houses, it will help attract potential buyers. 

If a fireplace is not available or inconvenient to have it on, then the feeling of warmth can be added by having some candles lit around the home.

While some people love animals, some do not and any pets are better off left in someone else home while the house is on the market.

Some times pets get frightened or disturbed by the presence of so many strangers in their home and may react aggressively towards the visitors.

To avoid any possible problems have them somewhere else for the showing times,

Although rooms can be bright and cheerful during the day, at night they may not be, so having light fixtures that are bright is important for night time showings.

It is important that for showings the home feels warm during the colder months and cooler during hotter days, we do not want it to feel too hot or too cold, the temperature should be just right.

Although the visual impact of first impressions are the most important, smells and sounds also make lasting impressions and are almost,  if not just as important , when it comes to first impressions. 

While we do not want to have any fragrance that is overpowering, we would like to have a nice natural scent that will create an emotional impact.

Natural scents, like the smell of lavender, or the smell of burning wood, appeal to our subconscious mind. Some agents suggest that the owner bakes bread or cookies before an open house as those scents can appeal to our basic emotions and remind us of those memories we cherish from home. 

House plants are not always a good idea to display in a house that is having showings as they can be a bit messy and we must remember that not everyone enjoys plants inside a house.

A nice bouquet of flowers is ideal and can ad a bit of color and fragrance to a space.


Having herbs in the kitchen in small pots by a sunny window can sometimes add some more depth of feelings to the impressions that a home makes on prospectives buyer, but they should be used sparingly if at all.

Kitchen counters should be uncluttered but at the same time they should not be barren, bleak or lifeless. 

White kitchens are beautiful, but often if no color is added, it can give a bland look that may not have enough appeal.

Adding a colorful vase of jar, or some bright lemons or oranges in a bowl can ad a little color and life to the space.

It is important in summer to open windows if the air conditioner is not on, as fresh air is always preferable.

Bedrooms should be neat but inviting, and one way to add warmth is by adding wool throws and textured materials or images that are of textured materials.

If the floors are hardwood, then it's a good idea to show them off, but a small carpet on them could add some warmth and add to the feeling of comfort.

Adding some living, thought provoking everyday touches to a structure that although pretty may look devoid of emotion can go a long way to create the magic necessary for someone to fall in love with the home and act quickly and decisively and in the end that is what every seller wants, a quick sale.