Selling a home can be a challenging and stressful process, especially when you’re still living in the property. Preparing your home for showings, keeping it clean and maintained, and dealing with the stress of potential buyers can take its toll. However, there are strategies and tips you can implement to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks on how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Declutter and depersonalize
One of the best things you can do when preparing your home to sell is to declutter and minimize. This not only helps you begin to pack and prepare for your move but it also helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the home. Make your home look as neutral and spacious as possible while still keeping it cozy. Start with decluttering every room, including the closets and storage areas. Remove any excess or bulky furniture to create more space and minimize clutter. Depersonalize your home by removing family portraits, children’s artwork, and other personalized decor items that the buyer won’t be able to relate to.
Keep it clean
A significant part of selling your home while still living in it is ensuring that it stays clean and tidy. This can be a difficult task if you have pets, children, or other occupants in the home. Make a schedule to clean your home, so it’s always show-ready. Do not let dirty dishes or clothes pile up, and keep the floors and carpets vacuumed and swept. Get into the habit of making beds every morning and fluffing up the pillows to make the bedrooms more appealing. Ensure that the bathrooms are always clean and tidy, with the toilet seat down and free of any clutter.
Designate one or two rooms for storage
Inevitably, you’re going to have boxes and packed items during the selling process that you don’t want out in the open. Designating one or two rooms for storage can be an excellent solution. This allows you to keep the rest of your home tidy and decorated while hiding the boxes and items away.
Stage your home
Staging your home is the key to making it look inviting to potential buyers. It allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space and makes them feel more emotionally connected to it. You want to create a clean, open, and spacious feel to your home. Use neutral colors and simple decorations that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Hire a professional stager or use online resources to get ideas about which furniture and decor pieces to use to showcase your home’s best features.
Be mindful of your schedule
Remember that while you may be inconvenienced during the selling process, it’s essential to remain flexible in accommodating potential buyers and their schedules. Be willing to adapt and adjust to their needs as much as possible, understanding that it is a temporary situation, and soon you’ll be onto your next home and chapter in life. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to vacate the house with your family, pets, and personal belongings during the showings. You can visit a nearby park or grab a coffee and come back when the showing is over.
Selling your home while still living in it can be a challenging process, but with a little effort and a few changes to your daily routine, it can be a smooth process. Follow these tips to ensure that your home looks its best, and you’re sure to find a buyer in no time.
Find your new home with Discovery Homes
We hope you’ll consider Discovery Homes when you’re ready to buy your next (or first) home. Visit us online at DiscoveryHomes.com to learn about our new home communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, quick move-in homes, and more.