Home buyers buy largely on emotion. Investors need to make sure the numbers work. Many investors have bought properties they’ve never seen.
When prepping a home for sale, you’re going to need to start packing and organizing. Start by decluttering and depersonalizing your property. This means any flat surface should have no more than 3 items on it and all family photos should be taken down. Why? We want the buyer to picture him/herself living in the property; not you and your family/friends. Being able to walk through a room without having to weave through furniture and toys is also key.
All small valuable items should be secured. While I would never bring someone into a client’s home without being confident that that person is a serious buyer, many agents will meet a buyer at a property and let him in without first qualifying the buyer or even meeting him/her. This is especially important with open houses.
Now that your home is decluttered, depersonalized and valuables secure, your next objective is to show the home as spacious and how each room can be used to its best potential in an inviting way. Adding some colorful paintings to the walls is a great way to add some life to a home without having to paint and usually works out better. Doing the dishes, setting the table and making the beds are some basic
Not every home should be staged. Sometimes a seller will want to call upon a professional stager who will bring in his own furniture. I’m able to advise when this is helpful, whom to call and when your personal belongings will be fine. Ultimately, it’s your call. As your agent, I’ll provide options and discuss ramifications. When I see your home, we’ll go to Staging a home 201.
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