Changing a Prospective Buyer's Mood
Saskatchewan, Canada, where Point2 is located, is known for its fluctuating weather. Lately, we've been alternating between torrential downpours, snow, and near-hurricane winds (which was actually a record day, as we've never had them before!). I love rain and find it inspiring, although after weeks and weeks of scattered sunshine, all of us Saskatchewanians are starting to feel a tad irritated.
As much as we try to not let it determine our mood, humans are affected by the weather. Rain, snow, sleet, wind...it all changes how we perceive the world around us and how we react to the decisions and situations that face us each day.
This is especially harmful when showing houses, since the prospective buyer's mood greatly determines how they will perceive the house you are showing them.
With a few quick and inexpensive, adjustments, though, you can alter their mood:
Let the sunshine in - open the curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. To supplement this natural light and create your own 'sunshine', turn on lights and especially lamps. There is something inviting, warm, and homey about a lamp.
Feel the heat - turning the heat up just a tad can also increase the welcoming feeling for people first walking into the house. After being in a cooler environment, the warmth is comforting. If this isn't possible, have a candle burning (and see the next point). The flickering flames are inviting and unconsciously make people feel warmer than they really are, which is why we love fires when camping!
It makes scents - moods are also greatly affected by the scents around us. Nothing says "home" like the scent of home baking. Since that isn't possible a lot of the time, take some cinnamon sticks or burn a candle with cinnamon scent. It reminds people of home, the holiday season, and fresh cinnamon buns. As a side note, I have a candle burning in my office and I often get people stopping by to comment on how much they love the scent of cinnamon...even the guys!
Bring it to life - when it is dreary and miserable outside and the natural vegetation isn't looking so bright and wonderful, having some live plants or cut flowers in the home will make it seem like an oasis in the desert. Plus, the plants help with oxygen levels in the house and the flowers give off a lovely scent.
Keep it clean - after facing a muddy, slushy, or wet world, walking into a home with spotless floors, uncluttered living spaces, and inviting scents and light always cheers people up considerably. Escaping the mess that is the outside world, the home will seem inviting, cheery, and low maintenance...which will make the prospective buyers feel that it will always be so.
A few quick adjustments to a house can really make it feel like home, especially on those dreary days when everyone is feeling affected by the world around us.
Here in Saskatchewan, the forecast shows no signs of getting sunny in the next few days. Looks like I'll be burning a lot of candles! 
Tanya
Tanya Spilchak, Education Coordinator