Once you’ve decided to list your house for sale, there are a number of things that need to take place to prepare it for potential buyers.
According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 80% quicker, and for up to 11% more money than non-staged home. Often times, staging your home can be accomplished by simply eliminating excess clutter along with re-working your space using items that you already own.
Selling your home can be stressful process because the value of your home depends on the condition of your home. If areas of your home seem cluttered and unorganized, the chaos can actually deter buyers and decrease it’s value.
Buyers make up their minds about a property within seconds of entering a home. Your job is to eliminate as many negative or confusing distractions as possible. Moving is the best motivation to help you de-clutter items you no longer need, use or love. Throw away, donate and shred all items you do not want to keep. Purge those items and start fresh in your new space. You will be glad you did! If you prefer to not tackle this alone, you can hire a Professional Organizer to help you get this overwhelming job completed.
1. De-clutter your home before listing it for sale.
The many benefits are:
- Neat, organized uncluttered homes are more attractive to potential buyers
- A well-presented property is perceived as a well-maintained property
- Higher appraisal value
- More bids and stronger competition
- Get a head start on your move by pre-sale packing
- Spend less on packing supplies and mover fees
- Start fresh in your new home with less clutter and more organization!
2. Relocate all boxes that you packed up while de-cluttering, and all excess furniture.
This is one time in your life when less is more. Move them neatly into the garage or you may want to rent a POD or temporary storage unit.
3. Re-work furniture placement, if needed, taking into consideration traffic flow patterns.
Give each room a balanced and comfortable feel while allowing the architectural elements of the home to stand out.
4. Remove personal items from the space like family photos, trophies and collections.
The goal is to allow buyers to envision themselves in the house, creating the lifestyle they desire and would potentially lead while living in the home.
5. Repair all broken windows, screens, drawers and cabinets.
Patch and paint all cracks, walls and doors and window frames. If possible, repaint all rooms in a neutral color. Modernize you kitchen and bathrooms with new handles and drawer pulls. Replace or repaint you house number. These simple task will make a big difference at open house time.
6. Deep clean everything inside and out, including:
- Windows and screens
- Light fixtures; inside and outside
- Baseboards and moldings
- Behind furniture and refrigerator
- Inside appliances
- Clean carpets
- Buff or shine hardwood floors
- Manicure the landscaping
- Closets and drawers…people do look!
A well maintained home on the outside tells buyers that the home is maintained well on the inside which will allow for top dollar at sale time. Take the time and spend the extra money to present your home in tip-top shape and you will reap the benefits.
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression so make it count!
This is the second in a series of posts on how to relocate with ease. Visit the first post in this series, Getting Organized For Your Move. Be sure to come back for more, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter to get all kinds of organization ideas!
About Lori
Lori Gersh is a hands-on professional organizer, move manager and the owner of Leave It 2 Lori. Her focus is on helping her clients in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, and other Southern California cities to declutter, organize, and transform their space. Whether you are upsizing or downsizing, organizing your home or your office, Lori and her team will handle it all.
