Lights, Camera, Sales!

Light and colour influence the way buyers react when they look at homes.

It's a fact that people prefer a home shown under bright light as opposed to dark or gloomy conditions.

So when you're preparing your home for a showing, make sure the windows are sparkling clean and the lighting is more than adequate.

The lights should be on before the buyer arrives if it's dark inside. Open the curtains and blinds.

Colour plays an important role in the presentation of your home.

People react instinctively to colour. Think about it. Red means "stop" and green means "go" because we associate these colours with stop lights.

Modern retailers understand the emotional influences of colour and use it to their advantage.

You will find that high end restaurants are generally painted in colours that encourage diners to stay longer and spend more money.

When selling your home, a fundamental rule is to keep colours neutral. If your home needs painting before you put it on the market, choose your colours to suit the market.

Here in the Bahamas, we find that homes painted in soft pastels show well. They're camera friendly and look good in flyers and on websites.

Soft greens and soothing blues remind people of the sea. They connect pale yellows and pinks with the beautiful local flowers.

Neutral colours such as soft pastels, shades of white and off-white are the safest choices for indoors.

Repeat the colour evenly throughout the room in at least 3 places. For example, it should match a colour in the fabric of the furniture, throw cushions and a vase.

Avoid loud, bright colours. Seek advice from your Bahamas real estate agent if you are not sure.

* Your leading Bahamas Real Estate source.