Selling your home, moving and preparing to show your home are all daunting tasks, especially when you are trying to do them all at once. Here are our tips to prepare your home for viewing—while readying yourself for your upcoming move.
Almost all potential buyers will drive-by your property first before they decide if they want to view the inside of your home. First impressions are everything when selling a home so make tidying up the outside area the first task to take on when preparing to show your home. Mowing and trimming should be done regularly. Consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door. If your garage is aside your home, make sure that it is free from chipping paint, weeds are pulled on any nearby landscaping and all exterior garage lights and patio lights are in working order. All garbage cans should be tucked away along with any other garage items (bikes, lawn tools etc.). Consider a wreath on your front door and/or potted plants outside your property.
The first step in preparing to show your home is to declutter. Clutter distracts buyers and makes it harder for them to imagine living in the space. Less furniture makes the space feel bigger, airier and allows for more natural light. Utilizing home staging services from the professionals at Priority Moving will ensure that you are getting your return on investment that you deserve when selling your home. They eliminate clutter, arrange furniture and even help with removing debris. Certified staging and declutter experts safely and securely wrap and ready your belongings for storage. No more do-it-yourself-storage—it’s like getting half of your move done before you even move! The best part? Hiring a professional home stager is proven to aide in helping sell homes faster—and at higher prices. Once you have done the decluttering of the big items, it is time to detach from the home. Remove magnets and artwork from the refrigerator, pack up the trophies and memorabilia, remove the stack of mail and bills by the front door, take down the family calendar in the kitchen, and remove family portraits and replace with simple framed artwork. Less is more—and the faster you come to terms with that this is no longer your home, the faster you will sell your home.
Potential buyers will want to see every room inside-and-out when you are showing your home. In every room, try to put everything in its rightful space. Toys should be put away; shoes and clothing should be in closets and drawers; and cupboards and storage areas should be organized. Beds should be made, television remotes should be put away and any potential sensitive information should be put away in a secured location (laptops, bills, financials, files).
Clear and clean all surfaces including but not limited to: counters, cupboards, handles, appliances and kitchen tables and chairs. The inside of the oven, microwave and refrigerator should be clean and organized. Kitchen sinks should be polished and free from any dishes; when possible, the dishwasher should be empty and cleaned too. Pet bowls should be put away and floors should be swept and mopped on a regular basis. During the Showing of the House Phase, limit cooking that can cause strong smells that linger. Always let in a blast of fresh air right before prospective buyers will be viewing. Bonus Tip: baked bread and fresh coffee are appealing aromas for buyers so utilize air purifiers and candles to achieve these smells (or eliminate cooking smells).
Clear and clean all surfaces including but not limited to: counters, basins, tubs, showers, commodes, bath and shower fittings and toilets. Clear away excess toiletries, sponges, medications or shower caddies. Clear away any children’s toys, literature, or dirty towels. Put out fresh towels and decorative soaps and blast some fresh air into the area right before prospective buyers will be viewing.
The backyard, garden or patio area is a popular area for buyers to check out. Ensure that the area is free from debris, that weeds are pulled and the grass and garden are at their best. Potted plants and outdoor landscaping lights are great selling points and will really help sell the space to prospective buyers.
Fido and Fluffy are your family members but not all prospective buyers may feel the same way. Consider limiting your furry family members to certain areas during the Showing House Phase to cut down on cleaning and smells. Always clean up pet waste and remove all signs of pets in the home when prospective buyers are on the way. Never leave your pet at home when prospective buyers are viewing your home. Take your pet with you or arrange for a friend or sitter to watch them during the House Showing.