Home expert reveals 5 weird things estate agents say help homes sell faster

According to Terry Fisher of , small sensory cues and psychological tricks can make a big difference when it comes to how buyers feel walking through your home, even if they don't realise it.

"Selling a house is as much about emotion as logic," he said. "Buyers aren't just looking at floorplans - they're responding to how the space makes them feel. And these unusual tricks can really tilt things in your favour."

The best part? Most of these tricks cost little or nothing to do.

Here, Mr Fisher shares five unexpected - and cheap - ways to help your home stand out and sell quicker.

It might sound strange, but a bowl of bright, fresh lemons on the kitchen counter can make a property feel more vibrant and well-kept.

"Lemons signal freshness, cleanliness, and light," Mr Fisher said. "They draw the eye, create colour contrast in photos, and even give off a subtle, natural scent that makes the home feel cared for."

Forget artificial air fresheners - the scent of freshly washed clothes can make a powerful impression.

"Clean laundry taps into that 'homely' feeling," Mr Fisher said. "If there's a light smell of fresh cotton or fabric softener in the air, people often associate it with comfort and hygiene. It's calming and familiar."

Lighting can change the entire mood of a room - and estate agents know it. "I always recommend switching on bedside lamps in bedrooms, even during the day," Mr Fisher said.

"It softens the space, makes it feel cosy and more inviting, and helps people imagine relaxing there."

The old trick of baking bread or cookies isn't just a myth - it works. "It's not just about the smell - it's about making the home feel alive," Mr Fisher said.

"People associate home baking with warmth, hospitality and safety. Even just putting out a fresh loaf or cake can enhance the atmosphere."

Laying the table as if you're about to host a meal can help bring the space to life. "A set table creates a sense of occasion," Mr Fisher said. "It helps buyers picture themselves living and entertaining in the space - it's about planting that emotional seed."

Mr Fisher says that while none of these ideas will sell a home on their own, they all help shape the viewing experience - and that can be the tipping point.

"These are easy wins," he added. "They're cheap, take minutes to do, and they stick in a buyer's mind. When a home feels warm, clean and full of life, people connect with it - and that's often what makes the difference between a second viewing and a silent goodbye."