#297 - Getting Your House Ready to Sell

Un-cluttering the House

After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it.  Clutter collects on shelves, counter tops, drawers, closets, garages, attics, and basements.  Take a step back, and pretend you are a buyer.  Let a friend help point out areas of clutter, as long as you can accept their views without getting defensive.  Let your agent help you too.

Organize the Kitchen

The kitchen is a great place to start organizing your home, because it is an easy place to start.  First, get everything off the counters.  “I mean everything,” including the toaster and other appliances.  Put the toaster in a cabinet, and take it out when you use it.  Find a place where you can store everything in cabinets and drawers.  Of course, you may notice that you do not have cabinet space to put everything.  Clean them out.  The dishes, pots and pans that rarely get used, put them in a box and put that box in storage too.  You see, homebuyers will open all your cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen.  They want to be sure there is enough room for their "stuff."  If your kitchen cabinets, pantries, and drawers look jammed full, it sends a negative message to the buyer and does not promote an image of plentiful storage space.  The best way to do that is to have as much "empty space" as possible.

Beneath the sink is very critical too.  Make sure the area beneath the sink is as empty as possible, removing all extra cleaning supplies.  You should scrub the area down as well, and determine if there is any tell-tale signs of water leaks that may cause a homebuyer to hesitate in buying your home.

Closet Clutter

Closets are great for accumulating clutter, though you may not think of it as clutter.  We are talking about extra clothes and shoes – things you rarely wear but cannot bear to be without.

Furniture Clutter

Many people have too much furniture in certain rooms – not too much for your own personal living needs – but too much to give the illusion of space that a homebuyer would like to see.

Cleaning Your Storage Areas

Basements, garages, attics, and sheds accumulate not only clutter, but junk.  These areas should be as empty as possible so that buyers can imagine what they would do with the space.  Remove anything that is not essential and take it to the storage area.

For more information about selling your home, please do not hesitate to contact me