Most buyers have certain priorities in mind when they shop for a house. By the time they finally make an offer to purchase, they have probably visited several places which meet their basic needs.

What makes them choose one home above the others?

Once the basic requirements have been met, choosing a home becomes an emotional decision for many buyers. They may weigh the pros and cons carefully, but in the end they'll often choose the one that "feels" right.

So how do you make your house feel like the perfect home? The trick is to try to appeal to the five senses.

	Greet your visitors with the scent of fresh flowers or the aroma of freshly-baked bread or cookies
	Have pleasant music playing softly in the background
	Give the impression of spaciousness and airiness - remove bulky furniture, open the curtains, turn on extra lights.
	Display colour photos of outdoor views during different seasons near the front and back doors.
	Build a homey atmosphere - have family photographs tastefully arranged here and there, but don't overdo it!
	Add warmth whenever possible - light fire, turn on lamps rather than overhead lights, close curtains at night.
	See to your guests' comfort - prepare a spot for coats and footwear, and arrange seating to help them with their shoes/boots depending on the season.

These strategies are especially effective for open houses - an occasion when it's in your best interests to pull out all the stops. For private visits, be creative and do whatever you can do on short notice to make your home appealing.