#1 - MOST IMPORTANT - DE-CLUTTEROur mission is a clean surface everywhere in your home. All stacks of papers, piles of magazines, DVD collections - out of site- out of mind. Below is a breakdown room by room of potential cluttered areas:
ENTRYWAY/FOYER: This is probably going to be the potential buyers first glimpse of your home. First impressions are lasting and set the stage for the entire visit. Stand where they will stand and do a scan of anything that detracts from the elements of your home. Remove excessive shoes, coats, and any other items in your line of vision to other rooms, they may distract from your home.
KITCHEN: Once again, we want the impression that no one lives here. Clear all dishes from the sink, de-clutter all countertops, tuck away bulky appliances and breakfast muffins. Make sure all cabinets and pantries are clean and well organized. We want the look of spaciousness!
BEDROOMS: Your goal would be to have it feel like a nice hotel room when you walk in; you know someone has slept there but there is no trace of it. Have all beds made laundry hidden away, all closet doors closed.
CLOSETS: Yes, the buyer will look in your closets! They want to see if your belongings fit. If your closets are crammed with clothes, overflowing with toys and have no floor space, they will envision that this space will be too small for them also. Try to remove any unused items(seasonal, outgrown, etc) to create an illusion of more space.
TOYS: Our children are our joy, but we certainly don't want toys to be part of our decorating palate. Before each showing try to collect all toys and place them in organized baskets or containers. If possible, larger Little -Tyke like items would be best if removed from indoor rooms. It will surprise you how much bigger the room will appear!
BATHROOMS: Finally - here's that special occasion to bring out your best towels! Next, remove all personal products from view, Be especially aware of makeup and toiletries on sink tops, bathmats, and robes and pj's hanging on hooks. Toss extra shampoos and soaps into a plastic bin and stash under the sink before each showing. Also, be sure the trashcan is empty!
HALLWAYS & UTILITY AREAS: Be sure your laundry room is neat and tidy. Potential buyers don't like to see "dirty laundry". Also be sure things like claeaning supplies and vacuum cleaners are hidden away. You want it to appear that your house always sparkles!
BOOKSHELVES: Remove some books from crammed bookshelves to create the illusion of "if they have extra space, the so will I".
DE-PERSONALIZING: Once again, we want the potential buyers to focus their attention on the details of your home, not your personal belongings. Large groupings of family photos, sports schedules, and dental reminders on the fridge are all reminders that you live there. Try to put these items away so their focus wll be where it is supposed to be.
Obviously, some of these items will still need to be used daily umtil you move from your home. The idea isn't to toss anything you need to use, but instead to be able to quickly and painlessly put them out of sight. Here are some tips to get you started:
QUICK TIPS TO HIDE CLUTTER
Laundry Baskets work for quick pick ups such as toys and shoes
Rubbermaid boxes come in all sizes. Use containers with lids to organize smaller items, extra large bins for storing clothes, and flat versions that can be slid under beds for sports equipment, toys, etc.
Wicker baskets work great
for toiletries, stacks of papers, etc. bins for sorting clothes, shoes. etc.
HINT: Be sure to label containers so when you need the items you don't have to spend valuable time searching!
MOVING BOXES shouldn't be in view during showings. this gives the potential buyers the impresion that you are eager to sell and they may use this as a bargining chip for pricing.
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Bryan VogtStrano & Associates, Realtors® - GMAC Real Estate
(618) 355-5824
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O'Fallon IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleSwansea IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleBellville IL Real Estate, Condos, Homes for SaleScott AFB PCS Relocation---
# posted by
Bryan Vogt @ 10:58 AM
