One issue largely ignored when selling is how best to live in your home when it’s on the market and your agent is calling to arrange walkthroughs at short notice.
Maintaining a home so it’s pristine for potential buyers can be especially difficult if you have children and pets. The idea that the family can disappear into thin air for those moments when buyers walk through is pretty fanciful.
Every seller is coached to declutter and depersonalize to maximize the property’s value. But how do you live in a home that has effectively been emptied of so much that is familiar and convenient?
It’s not easy – that’s the first thing to appreciate. Many clients often jokingly complain they have “no idea where anything is anymore”, because they have fiercely decluttered and stowed their life in boxes.
For those of you considering selling your property in the near future, here are some ideas to help you through this awkward period:
Two-stage approach – Consider moving in two stages. Pack the majority of your belongings and have them put in storage as the first stage. Everything that’s left behind should be sufficient for a few weeks and will be picked up and stored once the sale is made.
How to pack – Start with the non-essentials, like off-season clothing and books. Reduce kitchenware and cutlery. For families, ask the children to pick only two or three of their favourite toys to keep during this period. It’s amazing how little you actually need.
Storage solutions – If you don’t want the expense of a moving coming to your home twice, you can rent a storage unit and put your belongings there until you’re ready to move into your new home.
Pet strategy – For walkthroughs, please don’t leave any evidence of pets being in the home, as this tends to put off many buyers. You need to have a plan for them. Perhaps you can leave them with a neighbour during buyer visits. Also hide away food bowls.
Keep cleaning – By decluttering, you have a great opportunity to deep clean your home. Do this gradually as you declutter each room. This way, you’ll only need to wipe down surfaces before buyers arrive.
Bedroom focus – Make sure the beds are made. Straighten everything to make each room neat and tidy. Buyers don’t expect a showroom experience, but it’s good to leave the best impression you can.
Final check – Always do a final check of the home before the agent and buyer arrive. Ensure your computers are turned off, the bins are emptied and personal items, including keys, are in a safe place. And make sure all the curtains and blinds are pulled back to let in the maximum amount of natural light.