Selling a home can be a stressful proposition and even more so when you are still residing in your home. These tips can help you to be able to “live” in your home while it is on the market:
Pack Early – You’re going to be moving to your new home, so start the packing process before you list your home for sale. Seasonal clothing, holiday decorations and items that you no longer need can be packed for your new home or for donation and moved out of your home.
Keep it Clean – It may be difficult to keep your home as clean as a vacant property, but that should be your goal. Take the time to perform a “deep clean” before your home goes active on the market and tidy up each day before you leave home. Even though there may not be a showing scheduled before you leave, a last-minute looker may decide to view your home. You don’t want to have to decline a showing due to a untidy home.
De-Personalize – Every buyer wants to picture themselves living in your home, and family photos can often distract them from that goal. Removing your hallway “wall of fame” and preparing the walls will not only help to de-personalize your home it will give you a head start on moving. This also includes storing all confidential information (bank statements, credit card bills, etc.) in a secure location during home showings.
Send Fido on a “Vacation” – Doggie daycare or a visit with a friend or relative is the best option for your pet during showings. We can never guarantee that our pets will not interrupt showings with barking or whining and the stress of “strangers” in the home can often lead to shedding. There may also be some buyers that are allergic to certain types of pets and removing them prior to showings will make buyers more comfortable and give them the ability to spend a longer amount of time viewing your home.
Give them Space – No one knows your home better than you do, and it’s natural for you to want to show your home off to potential buyers. The truth is, many buyers feel uncomfortable discussing negative AND positive attributes of your home while you are there. If at all possible, leave your home for showings. It will allow for the Realtor and the buyers to discuss your home freely and openly and hopefully decide that your home is “the one.”
While this is not a complete list of tips for selling your occupied home, it is a list of the most common suggestions that we offer our clients. Please contact us to discuss a specific plan for your home and how we can help you to prepare your home for the market.
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate (636)936-8600
Published on 2023-06-30 15:49:09
