Sellers, here is some straight talk from Buyer surveys about what "makes a house feel good" when they step in for the first time. Before I spill the beans, though, let's explore just why this is so important to Buyers and why this can be the determining factor in a Buyer choosing one home over another. Certainly there are many factors that bring Buyers to the decision that one home vs. another is the right home for them. Location, price, style, size, proximity to shopping, schools, transportation, work and more are all elements in the decision-making process. Yet, time and again, we have seen Buyers turn down a great deal on what would seem to be the optimal property because it "just doesn't feel right." Sometimes it is the floor plan that "does not feel good" - a lay-out that is not comfortable for the Buyers. One of our Team's Realtor's listings in East Cobb, an immaculate 4,200 SF beauty with perfect landscaping, tons of exterior decking, privacy, and elegantly understated décor received rave reviews from Realtors showing the property. However, the master suite on the main level is in the front of the home while the stairs to the upper level are (old fashioned style) at the rear of the home - close to the kitchen, family dining area and keeping room. For Buyers with young children this was not a comfortable layout. It took more than 30 showings to find a Buyer who liked the floor plan. For that Buyer the home "felt good" and it sold and closed for 99% of the list price. Happy Seller; happy Buyer. All the other distracting or off-putting factors that make Buyer's uncomfortable the moment they enter a home, before they get a feeling for the floor plan, were absent from this home. It was kept in "showcase" condition inside and out. The driveway was always clear of parked vehicles. The landscaping was trimmed and neat. The walkways and decks were swept of errant leaves and pine straw from the surrounding trees. Leaves and tree debris falling on the gutters was removed regularly. Inside, the home smelled fresh and clean; there were no stale cooking odors from last night's dinner. Floors were swept or vacuumed regularly. Their dogs were also kept bathed so there were no pet odors - an issue pet owners do not realize can be a deal killer for Buyers with allergies or pet fears. The pets were removed from the home for all showings. Pet bedding and toys were hidden in a storage closet in the garage for showings. Beds were always made and there was no laundry left in baskets in the laundry room. Whenever there was a showing scheduled the owners left all the lights on in the home, and opened up all the drapes and blinds to let in sunlight, making the home feel bright and cheerful. The dining room table was tastefully set with their fine china to showcase the elegant separate space. The table in the family dining area off the kitchen always had cookies and mints for the Buyers along with our extensive marketing materials showcasing the best qualities of the home. There was soft music playing in the background. Several Realtors showed this home to multiple Buyers because it showed itself so well. Aside from Buyers not comfortable with the "different" floor plan, Buyer comments were always glowing. All the best marketing and pricing efforts won't help sell a property that is poorly presented... at least not at top dollar in this very finicky market. "Apples to apples,homes that are really well presented - homes that make Buyers "feel good" - always sell faster and for more money than homes that are presented poorly. Remember, selling or buying a home is a process and a journey, not an event, you will want to subscribe to our free video e-mail series for home sellers and buyers. For access to the complete series of free video and informational emails that can provide you with many of the important strategies and information you will need to make the best home selling or buying decisions you can email us at info@TMTRealtyGroup.net and ask for the SPECIAL E-MAIL SERIES REPORTS, the free no obligation series of email reports to be sent to you regularly over the next few weeks. Just put FREE VIDEO EMAIL SERIES in the subject line and let us know if want the home seller or home buyer series. Or contact us directly for free, no obligation information at info@TMTRealtyGroup.net