De-Personalize

1. De-Clutter is the Number One Priority

People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it.

    • If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
    • Remove all books from bookcases.
    • Pack up those knickknacks.
    • Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
    • Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
    • Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

2. Rearrange Bedroom Closets & Storage Cabinets

Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if they see everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well.

This means:

    • Neatly stack dishes.
    • Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
    • Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
    • Line up shoes.

3. Consider Renting a Temporary Storage Unit

Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying,“What is this room used for?”

HannaStadler_personal_photos-ontables

Remove & Replace Favourite Items

If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down.

If a buyer never sees it, they won’t want it. Once you tell a buyer they can’t have an item, they will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

Make Minor Repairs

In some seller’s markets, for example, you can sell a home in its present condition without much complaint. In normal markets or buyer’s markets, repairs can make or break your sale.

  • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
  • Patch holes in walls.
  • Fix leaky faucets.
  • Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
  • Consider painting your walls light and bright neutral colors.
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs with day light (5000 kelvins)
  • If you’ve considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
HannaStadler_painting_house-making-repairs
HannaStadler_painting_house-making-repairs

Make Minor Repairs

In some seller’s markets, for example, you can sell a home in its present condition without much complaint. In normal markets or buyer’s markets, repairs can make or break your sale.

  • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
  • Patch holes in walls.
  • Fix leaky faucets.
  • Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
  • Consider painting your walls light and bright neutral colors.
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs with day light (5000 kelvins)
  • If you’ve considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
HannaStadler_cleaning-the-house

Make The House Sparkle!

Cleaning your home should go beyond the usual weekly or day-to-day cleaning job. This could take all day to complete, and you might want to hire assistance.

  • Wash windows inside and out.
  • Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior if needed.
  • Clean out cobwebs.
  • Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
  • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
  • Clean out the refrigerator.
  • Vacuum daily.
  • Wash/Wax floors.
  • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
  • Bleach dingy grout.
  • Replace worn rugs.
  • Hang up fresh towels.
  • Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

Scrutinize Curb Appeal

If a buyer won’t get out of their agent’s car because they don’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get them inside.

  • Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
  • Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
  • Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
  • Remove window coverings or make sure they hang level.
  • Tune in to the room’s statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
  • Keep the sidewalks cleared.
  • Mow the lawn.
  • Paint faded window trim.
  • Plant flowers or group flower pots together.
  • Trim your bushes.
  • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Scrutinize Curb Appeal

If a buyer won’t get out of their agent’s car because they don’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get them inside.

  • Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
  • Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
  • Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
  • Remove window coverings or make sure they hang level.
  • Tune in to the room’s statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
  • Keep the sidewalks cleared.
  • Mow the lawn.
  • Paint faded window trim.
  • Plant flowers or group flower pots together.
  • Trim your bushes.
  • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.