Using the Five Senses to Buy & Sell Homes on the South Shore

At Boston Connect Real Estate, we believe buying or selling a home isn’t just about numbers on a page it’s about creating a full experience. On a recent episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, hosts Melissa Wallace and Tracy Grady explored how the five senses sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch play a surprisingly big role in real estate decisions.

Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or stepping into an open house, here’s how engaging each sense can make or break the experience.

1. Sight: First Impressions Matter

Buyers often decide within moments whether they’ll fall in love with a property. That’s why curb appeal is essential.

• Outside: Freshly mowed lawns, seasonal flowers, a clean driveway, and a freshly painted front door can instantly elevate a home’s appearance.

• Inside: Decluttered countertops, neutral wall colors, updated light fixtures, and plenty of natural light create a welcoming feel. Professional photography and videography also ensure your online listing captures attention.

Melissa and Tracy stressed that photos should be kept seasonally neutral. While festive pumpkins or holiday lights are charming, they can quickly date a listing if a home lingers on the market

Talk Real Estate 09-20-25

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2. Sound: Setting the Tone

From birds chirping in the backyard to the hum of traffic outside, sound shapes how buyers perceive a home. Sellers should:

• Turn off noisy appliances.

• Play soft background music during showings.

• Be mindful of neighborhood sounds sometimes closing windows during a showing makes all the difference.

Buyers, on the other hand, should pay attention to what they hear is the neighborhood calm, lively, or something in between?

3. Smell: A Powerful Emotional Trigger

Smell has the power to connect people instantly to a memory or emotion. A freshly baked pie, a hint of cinnamon in fall, or just the scent of a freshly cleaned home can leave a lasting impression. Strong or artificial odors, however, can be a turnoff. Sellers should keep things fresh, neutral, and welcoming.

4. Taste: Making the Visit Memorable

Taste may not seem like it belongs in real estate but it does. Offering light refreshments at an open house, whether cookies, cider, or even a charcuterie board, makes visitors feel at home. Tracy shared how creative touches like themed charcuterie or hot chocolate stations can help buyers linger longer and imagine themselves hosting in the space.

5. Touch: Comfort & Quality

Finally, touch plays a quiet but powerful role. Smooth countertops, sturdy railings, freshly painted walls, or even the feel of plush carpeting all add up. Buyers often run their hands along surfaces unconsciously, and what they feel tells them a lot about the quality and care of the home.

The Takeaway

Selling or buying a home isn’t just about price and paperwork it’s about creating a memorable experience. Engaging all five senses ensures buyers feel connected to the space and helps sellers put their best foot forward.

At Boston Connect Real Estate, our agents are trained to guide you through every detail whether that means staging your home for maximum impact or helping you look beyond the surface to find the home that truly feels right.

👉 Thinking about buying or selling on the South Shore? Connect with our team today at bostonconnect.com.