Sonali Sells

Chances are that if you’re selling your home, you want it to go to people who will appreciate it as much as you and your family do. To really snag the interest of potential buyers, Pleasanton realtor Sonali Sethna says homeowners need to appeal to all five senses within seconds of their walking through the front door.

Typically called “staging,” the process involves actually “setting the stage” in preparation for people to visit your home. Many people who have found success in the Pleasanton real estate market swear by this time-honored technique, which can create a sense of “hominess” that can pack a real punch when you’re ready to show your property.

Smell. Most importantly, the home needs to smell clean. Scent is the strongest “sense memory” of the five, and you can easily create ambiance in the home with a couple of simple tricks. However, that doesn’t mean you should overdo it with the deodorizers. Take care not to use chemicals cleaners with strong or harsh smells such as bleach or cook strong-smelling foods just beforehand, since many potential buyers will have a sensitivity to the odors. You might, however, want to install some clean-smelling air fresheners or candles. This is especially important if you have pets or smoke in your home. You might even need to repaint the walls and have a professional service deep-clean your carpeting.

Sight. You already know that the rooms you show should be uncluttered and neat. What you may not know is that you should remove personal identifiers such as kids’ artwork, trophies, photos, etc., and replace them with basic, classic décor. Potential Pleasanton homeowners need to have the capacity to imagine living in your home themselves, and putting away these personal items will help them get to that place in their heads more easily. Similarly, you should consider using slipcovers in neutral shades if your furniture is mismatched, worn or in colors or styles other than those considered traditional.

Hearing. Make sure you turn off or unplug all “noisemakers” before you show your Pleasanton home. Don’t run a load in the dishwasher or washing machine before guests arrive to see the home, turn off the television and stereo, and make sure you have yard care scheduled for another time. Similarly, you should consider having noisy children and pets outside of the home at another venue when you show the house so there are no disturbances or grating ambient noise.

Touch. This is a great time to address minor repairs. If the handle on the toilet jiggles, tighten it up. If the doorknob is loose to a bedroom, grab a screwdriver and fix it. If a doorframe has splintering damage, sand it down. Not only will it look better, but it will feel better to those looking for property in the Pleasanton real estate market.

Taste. If you’re hosting an open house for a Pleasanton home, you’ll want to have drinks and finger foods on hand as part of the event at the venue. If, however, you’re simply expecting a potential buyer to drop by with the realtor, make sure you have something on hand to offer. Something as simple as a ginger ale and homemade cookies can really set the stage and help them see your property as a home rather than just another house.

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