Special offer

The House Looks Fine, But How Does It Feel?

By
Real Estate Agent with Sibcy Cline Realtors

My husband and I looked at quite a few houses before we settled on the house that we currently own. During that process, we saw several that could have worked for us. They were nice enough, but some were a little too dark, or felt cramped, or just didn't seem right in some other way. When I walked into my house, the rooms were spacious and it was bright. Even though it was vacant, it still felt very right for us-like home.

Last year, I received a series of e-marketing pieces from a lady who provided a very unusual service. At first, I thought that she was a stager. As I read on, she was actually offering "cleansing services." She would go into homes that were not selling, and cleanse the aura of the home. She said that those homes would actually sell within a matter of a few weeks after she performed the cleansing. While I have never hired anyone for such services, I do understand that homes tend to have an overall feel to them that people pick up on when they go inside.

I saw one of my buyer couples last night, and we had a chat about this very topic. They have been searching for a while to find the right house. One particular house that I asked them about had great potential, but felt very creepy to them. Another one that they are considering did feel like home to them. They keep coming back to that house because it does have a nice feel to it. It makes me wonder, do we buy homes based on how they look, or is it more about the overall feeling that they give us?

Personally, I think that it is a combination. The big picture is made up of details that appeal to all of our senses. Sights, smells, sounds, and textures all play a part  in our perception. Something for sellers to remember before they put their home on the market.

 

Dawn Isenhower

Realtor

 

Coldwell Banker West Shell

Milford Office

dawn.isenhower@cbws.com

office: 513-831-8001

cell: 513-236-1254

www.dawnisenhower.com

 

 

Not In Real Estate Any Longer
Autaugaville, AL

Hi Dawn,

I too have purchased my homes on how they feel - but of course, we started with a wish list of what we needed/wanted and then went from there.

I am working with buyers right now who are very particular and not in any great hurry to buy. They are looking for their "forever" home. They are waiting to step into that house where they "hear the angels sing".

Mar 31, 2010 04:07 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I agree, it is a combination of both how it looks and how it feels.  And it is true some homes just don't feel right, so I can see the need to have them cleansed...but I wouldn't pay for it myself...

Mar 31, 2010 01:45 PM
Dawn Isenhower
Sibcy Cline Realtors - Milford, OH

Pam,

Thanks for your comment! I hope that your buyers do find that home where they "hear the angels sing." I think that there is a place like that for everyone. Hopefully, you will be able to help them find it very soon.

 

Evelyn,

It is very true-some homes do not feel right. I currently have a home listed that has a sad feel to it. Such a wonderful place, but it needs some life breathed back into it.

Apr 01, 2010 03:38 PM
Daniel Olsen
Exit Realty Achieve - Smithtown, NY

Dawn,

I would have to agree with you, I think it is a combination.

May 19, 2010 03:08 PM
Leanna Putman
Shanna Selections, LLC - Enfield, CT

Dawn, this has to be the most interesting post I've come across so far.  I am launching a business that goes beyond staging, and when I first started reading your post, I thought - "oh...here's someone who has the same idea as me (as I haven't come across anyone else so far)!"  But a moment later, I found this woman had a fully unique business idea -  I think it's brave of her to offer such a business, and appreciate you posting about it. 

It is so true that there is a distinct "feel" about a house, that goes far beyond the physical space.

Thanks for posting this interesting piece!

May 21, 2010 02:12 AM
Maya Thomas, Broker
Tampa, FL
Please see my client recommendations.

What a wonderful point!  I"ve had buyers and sellers who have had homes "blessed," "cleansed," staged and feng shuied.  I'm a believer! 

Jul 01, 2010 11:53 AM
Latonia Parks
Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC
Certified Military Relocation Expert

I don't think that would be very receptive here.  The closest thing I have seen is the home being blessed after purchasing to rid it of any negative spirits.  To each his own....

Aug 19, 2010 04:43 PM