Jens colored pic croppedDeep Clean, De-Clutter, De-Personalize

By Jen Ross – Real Estate Agent/Relocation Specialist

Getting ready to list your house this Spring?  There are many things to keep in mind to best “prep” your house for showings – but the core principles all begin with “D”:

Deep Clean, De-clutter, and Depersonalize…

  • Deep Clean – From washing the windows to dusting the baseboards and blinds, a sparkling house will shine and sell faster.  Pay special attention to detailing the kitchen.  Clean off all the counter surfaces and put away all small appliances too – even the coffee pot.  Make sure appliances are clean inside and out.  Wipe down cabinets, light fixtures, and switch plates.  If you are able to do any updates, do them in the kitchen and bath(s).
  • De-Clutter – Rent a portable storage unit that can be delivered to your house.  No matter who you are, you have extra stuff in your basement and your garage.  Buyers want to see that their belongings will fit into the house.  Too much clutter will detract from the positive aspects of the house.  Focus also on closets.  Half of what is in each closet should go into off-site storage.  Straighten stacks of clothing and neatly hang items with hangers facing all one way.
  • De-Personalize – Family photos are personal, no matter how attractive or well displayed.    They are distracting and I have often watched buyers go from room to room looking primarily at photos to see if they recognized the owners.  That is a serious distraction.  When you leave up portraits and framed photos, buyers see you as owners of the house, not sellers of the house and that means that they look past seeing themselves as the owners.  Art can and should be used to enhance the décor of your house, but please take down any and all photos of yourself, other family members, and pets.  It sounds harsh, but you are better off creating a neutral environment than one that invites distraction for potential buyers.

These are some very basic – but essential – tips for getting an advantage over other available houses.  Trust me, just taking the time to follow the above suggestions will pay off tenfold.

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