One of the biggest hurdles for homebuyers is picturing themselves living in a house or apartment that still feels like it belongs to someone else.
When you list your home, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to emotionally connect with the property.
Real estate agents overwhelmingly recommend decluttering and depersonalising to eliminate distractions and highlight your home’s most desirable features.
Here are nine tips to help you cut the clutter that can be a barrier to a successful sale:
Cut the clutter – Clutter is the No.1 turn-off for buyers. Not only does it make the space look messy, but it can signal to buyers that your home lacks adequate storage.
Clutter buster – The room where clutter has the most serious impact is the living room. Clear coffee tables, side tables and shelves of excess books, magazines and trinkets.
Make an entrance – A minimalist approach is best for entryways. Remove coats, bags, shoes and mail from the hallway and backdoor. A clean, open entry creates an immediate sense of welcoming space.
No photos – Buyers want to imagine their family living in your home, but that becomes difficult when your personal life is on display. Remove pictures from walls, shelves and the fridge. Put away personal mementos, such as awards and religious items.
Don’t be quirky – Stick to neutral colours for linens, towels and accents, like cushions and throw rugs. This broadens the home’s appeal, and it’s a favourite tactic in home staging. Also, avoid distracting items. You want everything to be vanilla.
Empty storage – Buyers open every door, drawer and cupboard to gauge the amount of storage available. A rule of thumb is to remove at least half of the contents in each of your storage spaces, especially the pantry and linen closet. Over-flowing storage signals insufficiency.
Be pet-free – Buyers may be animal lovers but they don’t like seeing signs of pets. Hide litter boxes, food and water bowls, and even leashes. If you fear your home might have a “pet smell”, get your carpets and rugs steam cleaned by a professional.
Room confusion – The number of official bedrooms directly impacts the home’s sale price and how buyers search for properties. If you’ve converted a bedroom into a different space, convert it back. If you have set it up as a home/office and leave it untouched, you risk diminishing the value of your home.
Dump the junk – Your garden should be clear of building materials, bricks, timber and broken equipment. Also, store garden tools and put any hoses away tidily.