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During my years as a Realtor, I've seen sellers make some unecessary and sometimes costly mistakes. A very common mistake I see is failing to do the simple things that cost little to no money, yet always attract buyers and help homes sell for more. If your home is logically a good value, but buyers in the market don't feel warm and emotionally attracted to the home, you will receive fewer and lower offers.

That's because buying a home is an emotional decision on the part of the buyer. Often the buyer doesn't even consciously know why they like one home more than another... they just do. Buyers make decisions on a deep subconscious level tied into what makes them feel comfortable, safe and secure. That's why it's so important to make sure your home looks, feels and smells its best. Remember that you're competing with all the other homes for sale. Since people buy on emotion, let's look at how your home can be the cleanest, freshest and cheeriest. This will lead you to a much faster sale…at a higher price.

Here are the five most powerful factors that assure buyers experience a good feeling when they see your home:

First, The Cheer Factor: For maximum visual effect, turn every light on, even on a sunny day. Light creates a warm, safe feeling. Open all window shades. Clean your draperies and curtains. Make sure your windows are spotlessly clean. Let the sun in and keep those lights on. Leaving all your lights on for two hours costs very little, and makes your home look larger and more spacious.

Second is The Access Factor: Buyers and real estate agents are busy. They're not looking only at your home, but fitting your home into a schedule that allows them to look at other homes as well. The more flexible you are with your showing schedule, the more buyers will look at your home.

Third, is The Distraction Factor: Do everything you can to minimize distractions for the buyer. Turn the TV and the loud music off. Leave only soft, background music playing. If at all possible, make arrangements with a neighbor to take care of children or pets. If that's not possible, consider taking a walk around the block with kids and pets while buyers browse, or simply take them outside.

Fourth is The Décor Factor: Tasteful and up-to-date décor is your best investment for getting a greater return on your money. Paint and new wall coverings makes the whole house smell clean and neat. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce the desire to buy. Clutter also distracts buyers and makes your home seem smaller. Clear counters, shelves, displays for an open and roomy look. Pack extra items in boxes and store in the garage or attic. Don't tell a buyer how your home can look; show them by making it look great. The result will be a quicker sale at a higher price.

Fifth is The Front Yard Factor: A pleasing exterior invites inspection of the interior, since your front yard reflects the inside condition of your house. Make certain that trees are trimmed so the house can be seen from the street. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Rake leaves. Plant fresh, seasonal flowers. Sweep walkways. Clean away any debris. Wash windows. Remove parked cars. This all adds to curb appeal. If a buyer doesn't get a warm, cozy feeling by driving by, fewer will ask to see the inside.

Those are the five factors to consider. However, there is one, final, most important factor to consider… and that is your competition. People don't look at just one house and then buy. They look at five, 10 or 15 homes before making their decision. How does your home stack up against the competition? This requires a detailed review of what’s out on the market right now. If you are planning to sell and want to see some of your competition, let me know and I’ll email them over to you.

Wishing you the best. Melinda (714) 863-5485, soldbymelinda@gmail.com