Living in a home while it's on the market can be a challenging ordeal. Balancing daily life with the demands of home showings and maintaining a pristine environment for potential buyers requires strategic planning and organization. This article provides comprehensive strategies to help homeowners manage their living spaces effectively during the sales process, ensuring that the home remains appealing to buyers without disrupting the resident's lifestyle too drastically.
One of the first steps in preparing to show your home is to declutter and depersonalize the space. This involves removing personal items such as family photos, memorabilia, and any clutter that has accumulated over time. According to a 2021 study by the National Association of Realtors, homes that are well-staged, including those that are decluttered and depersonalized, sell 33% faster on average than those that are not.
Steps to Declutter:
When your home is being shown to potential buyers, it's crucial to secure valuables and sensitive documents. A small safe or a locked drawer can serve as a secure place to store such items. This not only protects your belongings from theft but also from being accidentally misplaced during home tours.
Maintaining cleanliness is essential when your home is on the market. A survey by HomeLight in 2022 found that deep cleaning can increase a home's market value by up to $2,000. Regular cleaning should be part of your routine, with special attention paid to high-traffic areas.
Cleaning Tips:
It's important to have a system for managing visits from potential buyers. Requesting a 24-hour notice from your real estate agent can give you enough time to tidy up and make arrangements for pets or children. According to Zillow, flexible showing times can increase the likelihood of more visits, which can lead to a quicker sale.
Pets can be a significant consideration during home showings. Options include arranging for pets to stay with a friend or using a pet-sitting service during showings. This not only helps to keep the home clean but also ensures that visitors who may have allergies or fears are comfortable while viewing your home.
When living in a for-sale home, temporary storage solutions can be invaluable. Renting a storage unit for excess furniture and personal items can make your home appear larger and more appealing to potential buyers. This also simplifies the moving process once the home is sold.
Selling your home while living in it doesn't have to be an overwhelming process. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your home is always ready for showings, without sacrificing your comfort and daily routines. For more detailed guidance on home staging and relocation services, visit National Association of Realtors and Zillow.
Remember, the goal is to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers, which in turn can help you achieve a faster sale and possibly a higher selling price.
