Smell - Ensuring fresh, clean and odorless air is a must as smell is the very first thing a buyer notices when walking in. Don't use the artificial aromas generated by air fresheners and plug-ins. They give the impression that something is being hidden or disguised and they immediately think of dampness or mold. You should also avoid the aroma of potpourri, especially that synthetic sweet smell as it can become overpowering to the senses. Some powerful motivating aromas are baking cinnamon rolls or chocolate chip cookies, fresh ground coffee, fresh bread or fresh flowers. a spray bottle with 1/2 cup of water and add 20 drops of essential oil. Spray this solution into the air and it will eliminate those odors without leaving a overpowering smell behind.

Sight - Approximately 40% of all people visual and homebuyers in that category prefer houses that are light, bright and in a setting that is orderly, neat and clean. Each room's purpose should be clear and identified with style. Natural light generates a feeling of openness and a connection with the outside. And since you made the outside a warm and inviting environment you are going to be subliminally connecting that impression with the use of natural light inside.

Hearing - Interestingly, 40% of us are also auditory and sounds are extremely important to those folks. There are definitely two schools of thought on addressing this issue - music (yes or no). The predominant school of thought is yes but a couple of caveats:

• Don't use loud music in a situation where the noise of traffic is an issue. It will give the impression that you are trying to hide something.
  
  
• If you want to use music there is a lot to be said for the sound of light classical music or smooth jazz as a soft gentle background effect. Make it soft and soothing - not fast or upbeat as it tends to cause people to accelerate their pace which is the last thing you want to happen on a home tour.
  
  
• The best type - find out what the buyers like ahead of time if you can.

Taste - There is something to be said for a small bowl of candy or some cookies and maybe even something cold to drink - or hot chocolate on a cold winter's day. House hunting can be an exhausting experience and a thoughtful touch like this will enhance the buyers' mood and their impression of the sellers. And don't forget - taste also refers to the "good taste" with which the home is furnished.

Touch - The watchword here is simple - everything "must" be neat and clean. People just naturally let their hands glide over counters, cabinets and furniture.  You simply can't overemphasize the importance of a spotlessly clean home. The house should also be at the "perfect" temperature for the conditions and that means "comfortable." Kinesthetic (touching) people like the idea of curling up in front of a warm fire or relaxing on several large pillows. If it's cold outside a warm fire will do wonders.

What constitutes "home" is more than just the sticks and bricks. It's the emotional appeal that the home has to the buyer. One of the best ways to make sure that your listings are as appealing as possible is to stage your houses using a multisensory approach. There is nothing that affects a buyers' decision more than impacting their 5 senses - oh, I forgot...there's a 6th sense.

The very first step in home staging is to address the buyers' "economic sense." The most important consideration for a prospective buyer is a realistic selling price. It's a proven fact that an overpriced home isn't going to make money - it's going to cost money and time; the sellers and yours.

Buyers will rarely consider a home that is out of their price range or one that is overpriced for the location.

Consider the economics and then stage accordingly - giving all consideration to those other 5 critical senses that drive our decisions.