I consider it a unique opportunity to meet with sellers who are planning ahead; those homeowners that know they want to sell their home in the near future and want to begin the process. Sellers who begin early can make the right decisions about what to do, and more importantly, what not to do, in order to maximize their return on investment.
Planning Ahead
Depending on how long you’ve lived in a home might determine just how much work needs to be done in advance of selling. Personally, after 12 years in the same home, I’m certain there are things tucked away in my attic and in closets that I’d never chose to move again. There are some deferred maintenance items and things that I’d like to do, but there never seems enough time or urgency to get them done.
I am on this path myself with uncertain plans to sell my home. My kids are on their own (Empty Nest!) so my husband and I are beginning to consider a different kind of home. We long for something with a main floor primary suite and a little less upkeep. My goal is to get ready this year.
Staging Consultations
I meet homeowners every day who are overwhelmed with the task of preparing to sell with a limited amount of time to get it all done. We meet for a Staging Consultation and discuss what and how to declutter, repairs and maintenance, paint, flooring and updates that the seller should get done in order to get top dollar for their home. Plus prepacking, furniture placement and how to decorate for staging.
Planning ahead is a gift you can give to yourself now.
Decluttering
The task of “decluttering” with advance notice versus decluttering as part of the staging process is different. There’s no need to prepack photos, collectables, paperwork and personal items scattered around the house. The goal is to sort through the attic and closets to remove what is extra. As I put my tax returns away this year, I noticed that I have returns that are 20+ years old! That’s extra.
· Do you have clothing that hasn’t been worn in years?
· Have your kid’s left behind trophies, toys, photos, books and clothing that they never intend to take with them?
· Do you have supplies for a hobby or sport you have given up on?
· Have you saved bedding, towels, furniture, art, lamps or other décor that has been replaced with something new? Will you use it again?
Make donations NOW!
Many of these items and more can be donated, sold or thrown away leaving behind organized, spacious closets and storage rooms that appeal to buyers. The first step of staging will be complete!
Repairs & Updates
How many maintenance items have you left undone just because it doesn’t HAVE to be done now? Deferred maintenance usually costs more the longer you wait. Fix the rotten wood, chipped paint and broken window seals. Go ahead and patch holes and repair old water spots and settlement cracks around the house.
While you are at it, select updated, neutral paint colors that will help sell your home when the time comes. In the business of staging, we refer to paint as “money in a can.” Paint can cure a lot of issues.
Is the carpet old and worn? Has the original sheet vinyl gotten stained or torn? Are the hardwood floors scratched up, worn down or otherwise damaged? Replace flooring now with neutral, quality finishes that you can enjoy now and will increase the value later.
Cosmetic updates are often taste specific and expensive, so many sellers prefer to let the new owner take that on, but strategic, minor updates can make a world of difference in the perceived value of a home. Paint and flooring are top priority, but lighting is magical, and you don’t realize it until the new fixtures are in place. I’m not exaggerating here. Replacement of cabinet hardware, doorknobs and faucets are a little thing that make a big difference.
A larger investment in countertops and a tile backsplash should be considered based on the potential buyer and sale price of the home. Bathroom renovations can be very pricey, but even there, strategic updates take a home from dated to updated.
Home Staging
The next steps are what most people think of when Realtors talk about home staging. Pre-packing, furniture placement and strategic use of décor are much less daunting when the initial decluttering, repairs and updates are complete.
When it’s time to sell, pre-packing the personal photos, collectables, out of season clothing and special occasion items can be completed more easily.
Furniture placement can be adjusted from what makes sense for living to perfectly staged by moving some furniture around the house or moving some furniture to storage.
Decorations might need to be tweaked when it’s time to sell. Most often, I suggest sellers purchase new bedding, lamps, art, pillows, throws and plants. You might not care about those things now and that’s okay, but they add value when it’s time to sell.
The emotional connection created by a home that is finished with tasteful, updated décor is what sets your home apart from the others.
Selling A Vacant Home
In the end, it might make sense to move out and sell the home vacant or professionally staged with brand new furniture and décor. But, even then, the decluttering must happen before you move out. The repairs and updates must still be done in order to sell for top dollar.
Are you considering a move but are not sure when? Do you have an empty nest and know that you will not stay in your home much longer? Start making plans now and I promise you will not only enjoy your home even more while you still live there but you will also be way ahead when it’s time to sell.
Schedule a Consultation!
Contact me for Staging Consultation appointment now so that you know what to do and what not to do as you prepare to sell later!
