Let the Light In

Why Color, Energy, and Vibe Matter When You Sell

"I just love this teal wall. It makes the room feel like mine," the seller said. I looked around at the dark accent wall, heavy drapes, and personalized gallery of family photos and said gently, "I totally understand that. But buyers need to feel like this home could be theirs and right now, it still feels like yours."

She hesitated. It’s not easy to let go not of the memories, the choices, the energy you’ve put into a space. But that’s the work of selling.

Buyers Remember How a Home Makes Them Feel

They might forget whether the cabinets are solid wood or veneer. They might not remember if the closet had built-ins. But they’ll always remember how they felt.

When a home feels bright, energized, fresh it sparks something. It’s why I recommend sellers lighten the space, both literally and emotionally:

• Swap heavy drapes for airy curtains

• Paint bold walls in soft neutrals (warm whites, pale greys, light greiges)

• Use color intentionally in pillows, art, and flowers to uplift, not overwhelm

• Clear away emotional clutter so buyers can breathe and imagine their own life here

A True Story: From Dull to Delightful

A few years ago, I helped a seller who loved bold color. Red kitchen. Eggplant bathroom. Navy bedroom.

Every buyer who came through gave me the same feedback: “It just feels… dark.”

She wasn’t ready to paint. She said it gave her joy and I believe her. But we weren’t selling it to her we were selling the idea of the home to someone else.

Finally, she let go. We repainted, brought in soft staging, added white linens, fresh flowers, and light-filtering window treatments.

The result? Three offers in under a week. Same house. New light. New energy. New owner.

Letting Go Makes Room for What’s Next

Preparing your home for market is about transformation. That doesn’t mean erasing everything that makes it yours but it does mean creating space for someone else to fall in love.

Color and energy matter. Buyers walk through dozens of homes. The one they remember? It’s not always the biggest or most upgraded it’s the one that felt good. Light. Airy. Inspiring.

And that doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens with intention, with letting go, and with a commitment to showcasing your home at its absolute best.