Almost all home buyers will tell their real estate agent that they want a house with lots of light. It’s one of those instinctive needs that people have. They really want a lot of light.
Home sellers who really want to sell their houses will give them what they want.
Television seems to be obsessed with the type of décor that will sell houses, but the needs that home buyers have are actually a bit more primitive than just décor.
Smart home sellers will give home buyers what they want. There are several needs that people have for their homes that are at the heart of what they want and go far beyond decoration.
1. The first need many people have for their home is to make their ego feel good. They want their home to make them proud of what they have accomplished. They might have another need that makes them proud, like having a “green” house or granite countertops, but anything that floats them is fine. Billy Crystal used to say, “It’s better to look good than feel good.” Just remember, the ego is involved if you want to make the sale.
2. The need for light in a home is almost universal. Sure, people used to live in caves, but they stayed outside during the day. Home buyers want lots of light to come in through doors and windows. When displaying your property, let the light in every room. You see people spending thousands of dollars on curtains and other window treatments. Curtains can damage resale rather than help if they prevent light from entering the structure.
3. Have you ever heard of nesting? It is the instinct that all creatures have to create a cozy nest for their young. One of the reasons couples buy a house is because they are going to have a child, or another child if they are looking for a bigger house. Many home purchases are generated from the needs that people have to provide for their children. Another variation is being in a better school district. Everything connects to nesting. That is why it is best for resale if you buy a home in a good school district.
4. Another need people have is the need for a sense of security or sanctuary. This is why softer colors and natural colors are better for resale. You might love your yellow bedroom as a fireplace, but it’s a pretty safe bet that potential buyers won’t buy it. Yellow will actually make your heart beat faster, you know, like fight or flight. It just isn’t very relaxing. Home buyers also want to see the neighborhood as a safe place. Another part of the security problem is security, as in locks, alarms, secure rooms, and storm shelters. Pay attention to both sides of the problem, comfortable color and safety.
5. It is also important for home buyers to have plenty of storage space for many things. That means if you can’t store your own things neatly, you won’t make the sale. Get rid of things before trying to sell your house. Bluebirds will not nest in an aviary that has not been cleaned. Theoretically, humans are more advanced than bluebirds, but if you really want to resell, you should clean up too.
A serious home salesperson will do the things that will help sell your homes. They will also try to answer any other subliminal needs that home buyers may have, if possible. Meeting fixed needs is more important than you can imagine when selling a home.