Sometimes, you walk into a house and it’s just…well…wrong. Colors are garish, furniture is in odd places, and the clutter is out of control. 7 years of bank statements next to a computer desk that is spawning cobwebs. Sigh. Homes like this rarely show well and generally languish on the market for longer than competing properties. This isn’t to say that everyone should use a professional stager or that your home can’t be personal, but here are two strategies that can help market your home better.
Feng Shui is a Chinese meditative principle dealing with harmonizing energies in spaces. Primarily concerned with color and the 5 elements, this principle involves placement of furniture in different quadrants that correspond to sections of your life (see 9 quadrants below). In theory, aligning your physical surroundings corresponds to changes in these areas. Whether you ascribe to this or not, Feng Shui offers ideas for arranging rooms and balancing colors to create experiences. Ideally, a motivated seller will arrange their home to appeal to the widest range of buyers. If you happen to move items in the “health” quadrant of your home at the same time and have more energy, it’s a win-win!
Another tenant of Feng Shui and good marketing is to de-clutter. It’s everywhere. In everyone’s life. I am just as guilty as everyone else of the stacked pile of “important” papers. Clutter attracts and retains energy and the more static energy there is, the less flow can get through a home. This results in homes that feel “stale”, or “odd” or just plain “dirty”. One of the best books I’ve read on this is Karen Kingston’s guide, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Accessible, practical and easy to read, Kingston’s ideas have stuck with me for years. Always a good read (or re-read). Energy, flow and the feel of homes is one the most intangible concepts to evaluate, change and improve. Also, one of the most important to selling your home. Stay tuned for other ideas on more successful marketing!
to switch out all you incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. Yes they are more expensive then incandescent bulbs but you could be saving on average up to $40.00 a month on your electric bills. Also, to the benefit of many, most electric companies offer incentives for purchasing LED bulbs. DMEA offers up to $8.00 a bulb. Click on the link for more information 
Installing insulated curtains will also help keep the cold out. Make sure you change the filter for your furnace as well. This will help reduce energy bills, extend the life of your furnace and improve indoor air quality.
trol the climate in your home remotely. It also shows you energy consumption in real-time, and can even adjust themselves based on ambient conditions like humidity. The EPA’s Energy Star program concluded that homes with programmable or smart thermostats can save up to $180 per year on heating and cooling
some potted plants by the door for a welcoming feeling. Paint is a great way to add more visual appeal. Did you know that you could gain $5 for every $1 you potentially spend on painting your home? According to Consumer Reports, tones of light grey for the living room and common spaces, beige or pale greens for the bedrooms, a sunny yellow or wheat tones for the kitchen.
/Feel: is where we will talk about clutter. Make sure that carpets are freshly vacuumed, floors are moped and streak free. Counters are clear. Pack up personal photos and taste specific décor. You want all of the potential buyers to feel like they can live within your space. Preferably that is an upgrade, and how they truly deserve to live.
ll: Such an important area. Make sure that the home does not smell like any bio accidents from pets, is clean and fresh, but not loaded with chemicals. Consider baking a batch of cookies or bread, before leaving for a showing. Even looking into diffusing essential oils. The smell of orange is reported to reduce anxiety and encourage feelings of happiness.