When you research how to prepare your home for sale, two themes come up time and again – declutter and depersonalise.
So, let’s dig a little deeper into why you should take each of these actions.
There are few bigger turn-offs for buyers than a dirty and untidy home.
Dishes in the sink, clothes on bedroom floors, magazines stacked in a corner are red flags. They indicate the home has not been cared for, and therefore it has not been well maintained. And to buyers, that spells trouble down the track.
A messy home is also one that tells a buyer you have insufficient storage. Unsurprisingly, storage is a big consideration.
Finally, there’s the overall impression that you’re making with each buyer. An untidy home that’s full of stuff is unattractive and it makes the property look smaller than its actual size.
As a seller, on every count you lose.
Depersonalising your home is slightly different.
The optimal buying experience is when the buyer can picture themselves living in your home.
If you have family photos and knick-knacks from favourite holidays scattered everywhere, the buyer will feel more like a visitor than a buyer.
Just as with an untidy home, this is not the impression you want to impart to maximise the value of your home.
Depersonalising is easier and quicker than decluttering – so here are six tips for decluttering.
Focus on first impressions: Clear entryways, hallways and the living room. Buyers notice these areas immediately. Remove unnecessary furniture, shoes, coats and anything that makes the space feel cramped.
Kitchen surfaces: Clear everything except a few essentials. Aesthetically pleasing items such as a fruit bowl are fine. Buyers want to see lots of workspace.
Closet purge – Organise but don’t empty your wardrobes. You want them to appear plentiful. A closet crammed with clothes will leave the impression of insufficiency.
Blitz the bathroom: Remove personal toiletries and make the shower and bath spotless. Less is more in the bathroom.
Sweep and dust: After decluttering, clean the home thoroughly. Dust all surfaces, vacuum or mop floors, and ensure windows are clean inside and outside. A clean, decluttered home feels more spacious and well-maintained.