Keeping your home always ready for showings while living in your home as it’s listed for sale can seem like an impossible task. We know, everyday living looks totally different than a home that is showing ready at all times. Trying to get your house “market ready” can seem like a daunting task but making sure everything looks perfect for potential buyers doesn’t have to be. Completing small projects and tasks can make the overall transition a positive one. If you are planning to live in your home while your house is listed but dreading it, here are a few key areas to focus on to get your home market ready!
Improve the Curb Appeal
The very first impression potential buyers will see of your home will be the exterior. When searching online the first photo is usually an exterior photograph and buyers will already be judging your home the moment they drive up for a showing. At first glance, what does the street view of your home say to potential buyers? First impressions really do matter, so increase your curb appeal by updating porch light fixtures, improving the landscaping by adding some plants, or even painting your front door. Start with a good first impression and appeal to buyers before they even enter your home.
Declutter and Organize
Your next project should be decluttering areas in your home, donating items, and maximizing storage space. Get rid of the clutter and neutralize your home. Less is always more when it comes to both optimizing your home for a quick sale and moving. Reduce your items and don’t hold on to anything that isn’t serving some sort of purpose in your life. Next, if you are anything like us, personal items are littered throughout your house. It’s time to get organized by having a designated container for everyday things in each room yet hidden away so it’s livable, not messy. Getting organized will help when it is time to quickly do a clean sweep of each room prior to showings. Finally, everything will have a designated space! In order to maintain these clear and organized spaces, you may need more storage space. Think about renting a storage unit or ask a friend or family member with extra space if they would mind storing some boxes for you for a short time. The goal is to get as much as possible out of your home before showings start so that buyers can see the true potential of your home.
Create a cleaning list
After you’ve decluttered and reorganized your life—give your home a deep clean. In order to maintain the deep clean and picture-perfect status of your home, you will need to make a checklist of everything you want to do for showing preparation. The checklist should include fluffing pillows, opening all blinds, turning on all the lights, lighting a fire in the fireplace, removing family pictures, and a clean sweep of things you need to do for showing prep. Being able to quickly check off the boxes will help you ensure that you’ve done everything you need to do to make your home look its best for every single showing. Keeping countertops clear, entryways free of clutter, and the home always smelling fresh will be your new normal. Clean and then create a list that will help you maintain the home with ease to make it always appear staged.
Establish a safe space for valuables.
There are somethings money can’t buy, and you don’t want to worry about these personal valuables as potential buyers are touring your home. Valuables can include jewelry, personal information, spare keys, medicine, or collectables. Keeping medicine in the bathroom medicine cabinet or jewelry in the jewelry box may not be the best idea when your home is being shown. Clear out space in a safe or lockable drawer and keep these items there for the duration of the time your home is on the market. Most importantly, keep the key to the safe space in your wallet or on your everyday key ring, and not in the house itself. You’ll have a lot more peace of mind knowing that the items you can’t afford to have go missing are well secured while your home is on the market.
Plan for Showings.
You should have a plan for showings and open houses that includes a routine for the kids, pets, and yourself. Establish a showing schedule of days and available times with your real estate agent and then establish a routine. Will you load the kids in the car and go to a nearby play area? What is the plan for the pets? You may need to have a dog sitter or neighbor who can watch the pets during a showing or if you’re going to be home, simply take them along with you when you leave. Be sure to get this plan in place well ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Living your life while your home is on the market can certainly be a transition. The expectation is for the home to always be staged and ready for showings. With a little preparation and a few smart choices, staging owner-occupied homes can be a far less challenging process from listing to sold. Finally, take a deep breath. You’ll get there eventually, and in the meantime, the steps above should help ease some of the stress.
Occupied Staging by: Atmospheric Home Staging
Home listed by: Brandon Travelstead