Home is Where the Heart Is: Emotions in Real Estate

Home is Where the Heart Is: Emotions in Real Estate

When it comes to buying or selling a home, real estate agents often stress the importance of keeping emotions under wraps to their clients, coaching them on how to stay level headed and logical when making any final decisions. But that is often easier said than done, especially if you’re anything like me and you wear your heart on your sleeve… But who says that’s so wrong? I am of the opinion that emotions can be a true asset when it comes to real estate, and I’ll be the first to admit that I often tell my clients to listen to their gut when it comes to making decisions throughout the process. 

You see, buying and selling a house isn't just about the brick and mortar of it all; it's about the memories you’ve made there and the ones that will be made by the next owners. Don’t get me wrong, the home’s features are absolutely important, but being able to paint a picture of a lifestyle - whether it’s for potential buyers or for yourself while house hunting - well that’s where the power of emotion comes into play, with the ability to set one house apart from the rest.

Imagine this: As a buyer, you're scrolling through listings online, and you come across a home that feels different, like it's not just a house; the photos and descriptions capture your imagination, and before you know it, you're walking through the home, envisioning yourself living there, creating memories, and making it your own.

Now, let's flip the script: As a seller, how do you weave this emotional magic into your home? Of course it starts with the standard listing practices like cleaning, decluttering, and staging in order to make the house look its best. Next, do what you can to draw attention to the unique features and quirks that make your home special. I personally like to ask my sellers about their own favourite aspects of the home, or why they fell in love with it to begin with; most likely, those will be the exact qualities that pull on the heartstrings of potential buyers.

One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that emotions are powerful, but that doesn’t mean we need to ignore them. When a home elicits a particular feeling, explore that feeling - embrace your emotions, because they might just be what seal the deal.