Selling a home can be challenging and stressful! Often sellers have asked us, "What's the hardest thing to do when selling "by owner?" The answer to this question may surprise you. Whether you are using an agent or selling "solo", you still must prepare your home for the market. That said, we have worked with Western Massachusetts home sellers for over six years and the most difficult challenge sellers have told us they have had is GETTING RID OF CLUTTER. Sound familiar? If you need some help in this area, keep these thoughts in mind:• Less clutter = bigger looking rooms = more money!
• Less clutter = less you have to pack, or worse, pay a moving company to transport!
• Less clutter (knick-knacks, photos, treasures) = more a buyer can imagine how their clutter will look in their new home!
How do you start controlling the clutter?
• Take it one room at a time - main rooms first. As you de-clutter, stage the room and take pictures for your slide show while it looks its best.
• Use contractor's trash bags - they hold more stuff and are very durable
• Donate to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Your stuff will go to a good home
• "Build the buzz" - have a "moving sale" and hand out New To Market flyers
• Make a checklist for quick clean ups before showings. Remember, when you sell by owner you don't have to clean up ever day just in case someone stops by - big bonus!
Remember, the time you take now to make your home squeaky clean and show ready, will pay off later as your home outshines the competition.
