When homeowners begin the process of selling their estate, they take inventory of necessary repairs and updates that need to be made to attract potential buyers. Before placing it on the market, a home should not only be structurally sound, but enticing—inside and out!
Another way to attract potential buyers is through Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese geomancy practice. Through this traditional art, homeowners can bring a harmonious, positive energy, called “Chi,” into a home. So, to attract the right buyer and sell your home above market value, here are six ways to Feng Shui your home to sell.
Make First Impressions Count
As a prospective buyer pulls up to your home, curb appeal goes a long way. The landscaping surrounding your house should enhance your property, not distract. This means you need to remove obstacles that block the home’s energy and provide good lighting, both outside on the porch and inside the foyer.
Photo by Petrucci Johnson Homes
Also, ensure that landscaping and plants appear healthy, pulling weeds and trimming back branches that overhang into the path. A pair of potted flowers or topiary bushes flanked by the front door invite positive energy inside along with potential homebuyers.
Place the “For Sale” sign in the appropriate spot–to the right of your door–where the house’s “yang” is positioned. Yes, even this detail can improve your home’s energy.
See the Window of Opportunity
You must maintain the cleanliness of your home, especially while it’s on the market. Give it a scrub to make it more airy and bright. From cleaning and caring for your floors to washing windows, you’d be surprised what a little elbow grease will do to brighten a space.
In fact, windows play a significant role in Feng Shui and are considered the “eyes” of the home. Cloudy or dirty windows hinder you from seeing new opportunities on the horizon. Broken windows may even suggest health issues or hesitation. During the daytime hours, draw back the curtains and pull up the blinds. Allow the natural light to come pouring in.
Now, you might clean windows from the inside, but what about the outside? To get your home in tip-top shape, make repairs of broken glass or jammed sills and then hire a window cleaning service to reach those exterior windows. In doing so, you will not only improve the value but improve your home’s energy.
Keep an Air of Confidence
Keep an air of confidence in your home and show it in all its glory. In other words, clear the space of clutter enough to present your gorgeous hardwood floors, kitchen countertops and focal walls.
Photo by Martha O’Hara Interiors
If a buyer enters a home that’s full of unnecessary furniture and accessories, they wonder how long it will take before they can make it their own. Since you plan to move, you might as well be prepared and demonstrate a willingness to sell. But more importantly, it subconsciously says to buyers that it’s ready for a new family’s memories.
Ignite the Senses
An airy and clean space is welcoming to the eyes, but the other senses are just as attentive—especially smell!
Realtors have long-advised that a home should smell pleasant during a showing. One optimal way to incorporate smell is with an essential oil diffuser or spray, setting it on a timer throughout the day for a chance showing. Vanilla (like freshly baked cookies) ignites a feeling of nostalgia and comfort. Lavender can also create a more relaxed, soothing environment.
However, the concept here is to offer a subtle aroma, as opposed to offending the nose of your buyers. Stay away from patchouli or sandalwood, as this is a very polarizing fragrance that not everyone adores.
Speaking of smells not everyone adores, pet owners should be mindful of their furry family members’ odors. In fact, you may be accustomed to the smell and never notice it. Instead, ask your trusted realtor’s opinion. And while you’re at it, ask if they smell anything “off” at all.
In addition, keep the indoor air circulation fresh with a few air-purifying plants. This is especially important if you have a bedroom situated over a garage, as the car emissions can be quite toxic.
Keep Bathrooms Tidy
Bathrooms need to be clean and tidy. Tuck away your personal items like toothpaste and razors. On the contrary, leave a few decorative elements or hand towels to soften the space. Ultimately, you want to present bathrooms in their best light, presenting a serene, spa-like atmosphere.
Photo by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
Use Minimalist Style
The bathroom is not the only space where you should remove personal items. In fact, this Feng Shui trick really goes everywhere throughout the house. To be blunt, you want potential buyers to see themselves living in the space, not you. While particular items are used daily or may even be meaningful, they can be a distraction to others.
Photo by Marina Dagenais
Empty closets until there are only a few hanging garments on display. Clear any shelves to be open and airy, removing most books and bric-a-brac. And this goes for framed family photos as well. By now, you should be prepared to let go of the many moments that have made a house a home.
Is Your Home Feng Shui-ed to Sell?
If you’re preparing to put your home on the market, look around and listen to its energy. Often, you know right away where it needs a little assistance. After all, it’s probably a task or project that’s been nagging you for years.
Last, but certainly not least, before you depart ways with a home that’s provided years— or maybe even a lifetime! —of memories, show it honor before parting ways. Go to each room and say, “thank you.” And then, once the home sells, allow that good, harmonious energy to pass on to the next family.