Two major tasks loom ahead for home sellers: preparing their properties for potential buyers and maintaining that show-ready condition while still residing in them. Achieving this balance may seem daunting, but with some careful planning and cooperation with your estate agent, it's entirely possible. In this blog post, we'll provide you with valuable tips on how to live in your show house successfully.
1. Declutter Before Listing:
Before you even list your home for sale, it's essential to declutter your living spaces. We suggest starting with your garage, tool shed, spare room, and cupboards. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. Over the years, you may have accumulated a lot of extraneous "stuff," and clearing it out now will not only make your home show better but also reduce the workload when it's time to move.
2. Store Excess Furniture and Heavy Curtains:
To create an open and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers, consider removing at least one piece of furniture from each living room and bedroom, more if necessary. Place these items in storage to make rooms appear spacious and well-lit. Additionally, store heavy, dark curtains and replace them with lighter alternatives. Clutter and heavy decor can hinder buyers from visualizing themselves living in your home.
3. Maintain a Tidy Appearance:
Prepare your home for showings by ensuring that everyday items have a designated place. Keep kitchen counters as empty as possible when showing your home. If possible, pack away dishes, plates, or appliances you rarely use and store them. This frees up cabinet space for items you want to "hide" before a viewing. Apply the same principle to bathrooms and bedrooms by creating space to store toiletries and cosmetics out of sight.
4. Schedule Showings Strategically:
Coordinate with your estate agent to schedule showings within specific time frames, if possible. This allows you to prepare your home and keep it in its best condition for potential buyers. While accommodating potential buyers is essential, it's unrealistic to maintain pristine show condition 24/7, especially if you have children or pets. By planning showings upfront, you can arrange for extra help, such as cleaning, tidying, dusting, washing, and ironing if needed.
5. Price Your Home Correctly:
Even if you've followed all the previous steps, living in a home on the market for an extended period can become tiresome. To avoid this, it's crucial to price your home correctly from the beginning. Collaborate with a trained and experienced estate agent who can provide you with the latest information about home sales in your area. Accurate pricing increases the likelihood of a quicker sale, relieving you of the burden of maintaining a show-ready home for an extended period.
By following these tips and working closely with your estate agent, you can successfully live in your show house, attract potential buyers, and ultimately achieve a smooth and timely sale of your property. Remember that a well-maintained home is more likely to leave a lasting impression on potential buyers, increasing your chances of a successful sale.
