TEN THINGS TO DO BEFORE LISTING by LINDSEY HASFORD
Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell
your home. But, what does that really mean? Before going hog wild and
moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider
removing before you list your home for sale.
10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend
removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with
photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers
really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they
walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's
really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And,
the buyers do look at them.
9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you
cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take
the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If
you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an
invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage
it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave
the temptation behind.
8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and
Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to
test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out
in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out
of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your
help makes a difference!
7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable
antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you
wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know
they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many
homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow
it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.
6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case
or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old
remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make
buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.
5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door...
ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The
first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are
too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on
the part of the buyer... just put them away.
4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the
counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom.
Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential
buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it
happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply
remove it.
3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything?
Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers
dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does
it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you
wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it
gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.
2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out.
There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards
and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the
notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you
don't dig in the drawer often anyways.
1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that.
Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and
side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a
home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe
me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own
children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the
magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally
more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.
Source Blog post by Lindsey Hasford