Last week I discussed how to prepare the exterior of your home for selling this fall. Now, let’s move into the interior.
I know you are comfortable with the way your house looks- after all, you live there! However, not all potential buyers may feel as you do. They will know immediately if your open floor plan or main-floor master is wrong for them. But, if the great layout or number of bedrooms, etc. is overshadowed by your possessions or decorating style, they may not be able to envision themselves living in your house. The idea of walking through the house should make them feel comfortable.
First, remove all clutter. Your collections, knick knacks, and magazines are important to you, but may only distract the buyer whether he or she likes them or not. This is the most effective and least expensive way to prepare the inside! Pack them up; don’t shove them into drawers and cabinets, as the buyer will open them!
Second, clean out your closets, shelves, and drawers and then organize them. For example, line up the clothes by color in their category (i.e. skirts, pants, etc.) or arrange non-clothes closets by category (i.e. all napkins on one shelf.) The simple appearance of organized neatness implies a well-maintained home.
Third, re-arrange the furniture. Make sure that it’s positioned so that the buyers can easily walk into or through a room. Proper placement will ensure greater space within the room. Remove excess pieces that take up space or pieces that are not well-kept and store them in the basement. Use each room for its original use, a pool table in the living room implies that the living room is wasted space and you had to find something to do with it. Make sure the lighting is adequate to see the room.
Fourth, spruce up. Take one room at a time and carefully evaluate items that look worn, in a state of disrepair, or dated. This will take the most time, and possibly require some expense. Remember, it’s crucial that your buyer feel that you have maintained your home. Broken blinds, cracked tiles, or worn upholstery won’t convey that feeling. Keep the interior neutral; remove wallpaper or flashy paint colors that may prove too busy.
Throughout your preparation process, use your agent as a sounding board; ask her or him to be honest with you about what needs to be done or what you have done. You have hired a professional- experience is the best teacher!
Posted by:
Mary Jane Benedetto
