Feng Shui Tips For Selling A Home

Part One of Four

(Originally published on AMH Co., Home Interiors, Inc. - published with permission)

No one has to tell you that in today's real estate market, it is imperative that sellers make every effort to stand above the competition. Home-staging is necessary but by also incorporating a few, simple Feng Shui principles, one will receive more positive feedback and greater odds of getting the contract.

Feng Shui is all about clearing unnecessary elements (both seen and unseen) from our lives and focusing on the energy present in the space around us. These principles carry through very well in setting the stage to sell your home. The energy in the home will be felt by the buyers and you must make every effort to make that energy positive. The air must flow freely, be of good quality and definitely, not restricted with clutter.

You are selling emotion to the buyers...and you are selling a commodity. Let go of all personal attachments to your home.

OUTSIDE -
Begin your "transformation" on the outside. Spend 2 - 3 minutes standing at the street in front of your property. With your most critical eye, examine every aspect of the exterior of the home from the lawn and landscaping to the structural details. Be especially conscious of the front entry and the door, itself. Talk about first impressions...this is it and you have only one chance to make a good one! Is the front lawn carefully manicured appropriately for your specific location and/or neighborhood? Are the shrubbery and flowers fresh and tidy? Is the front porch/entrance free of all clutter, personal items and well-lit? Is there spaciousness and protection from the elements? Are the house numbers very visible and clean? Can you see the front entrance from the curb/driveway clearly? How's the condition of the front door, itself; remember, the buyers will be standing, waiting for the agent to unlock the door, examining every aspect of this area with their most critical eye. The impression you make in these first few seconds will only be reinforced by the buyers once they step inside. You should get the idea by now!

Ann-Marie Haynes is a member of C.H.I.P.s and brings fresh, inspiring and sophisticated interior design to the Greater Chicago area through AMH CO., Home Interiors, Inc. This post was originally published on her blog, and is part one in a series of four - to read the entire piece click here.