Many homeowners choose to live in their home even after it has been placed on the market. There are several reasons why this may occur, some may simply not be ready to move at the moment while others need to wait for a loan to become approved in order to purchase their new home. Whatever your reason may be, deciding to stay in your current home while it is up for sale usually does not interfere with the selling process and helps you deal with less stress while you focus on the important factors of the sale.
The Downside of Living in Your Home While it is up for Sale
While there can be some benefits to living in your current home while it is up for sale, some adjustments will need to be made in order to ensure that the selling process continues to move along smoothly. You want your home to look presentable when potential buyers stop by for a home showing or open house. This means that you will need to make the home look as if no one is currently staying there. Here are a few tips on how you can eliminate items from each room while still living comfortably in your own home:
The Living Room Area
As far as furniture goes, you will want to hang on to the essentials and pack away the rest. This will not only help you to decrease the amount of furniture you will have to move in the future, but it will also help to make your room look much bigger which will entice buyers. Clear your bookshelves so that they appear neat and orderly. They should only contain a few books or decorative items. Get rid of dying house plants and only keep a few healthy pieces on display. Also remove all personal photos from the walls and throughout the home. This will help the buyers to imagine their own family living there much easier.
The Kitchen
Remove everything from the countertops, only leaving behind a few necessary items such as a coffee maker or a toaster. If you have piles of paperwork or mail lying around on your kitchen counter you will want to get rid of it before any buyers show up to view the home. Use very few decorations, if any, and clear the refrigerator from magnets and artwork.
The Bedrooms
Make sure all of the beds are made and all personal items such as clothing, toys or shoes are off of the floor and in their proper place. Nightstands should be clutter-free and only contain an alarm clock or lamp. Clear the closets out the best you can so that they are not piled up with storage boxes.
The Bathrooms
Add some details to your bathrooms with new soap, towels, or simple decorations such as a pot of potpourri or flowers. Be sure to put away all toothbrushes, razors, and shampoos while the house is being shown. Instead place them in a nearby cabinet so that they will be out of sight but can still be easily accessed each day.
Selling Your Home without Clutter
In order for your home to sell at a reasonable price, you will need to take the time to make it look as presentable as possible for your potential buyers. It may seem impossible at first to keep your home clutter-free while you and your family are still living in it, but if you follow these helpful tips on how to eliminate clutter, you should not have any problem getting several offers once your home goes on the Destin, FL market.
To learn more information about selling your home in the Destin area, contact us or read our free home seller’s eBook:
