Just as the biggest rule to buying real estate is “Location, location, location,” the biggest rule when selling your home should be “Disassociate, de-clutter, de-personalize.”
Disassociate
When selling your home, you need to step back. Pretend it is not your home, how would you feel walking in? Does your home scream of your personality or is it a blank slate for someone to imagine its possibilities? Disassociating is one of the hardest things a homeowner must do, but in the long run it will be worth it. You are selling for one reason or another, but the most important thing to remember is that you are selling it… it will no longer be yours! You cannot expect someone else to like your style, your paint colors, etc. You need to visualize your home as just a house, a product like any other. You need to let go of the fact that it is yours because in reality you hope that it won’t be yours for much longer.
De-clutter
There is nothing harder for a potential homeowner to look past than clutter!! No one can imagine how his or her baby grand piano will look in an area that is currently housing your Country Kitten of the Month collection. If you don’t use it on a daily basis, pack it up. Rent a storage unit if necessary, the cost will pay for itself in the long run. As for those items cluttering counters that you do need on a day to day, put them in a box that can be stored out of sight in a closet or cabinet while not in use. Cleared counters and shelves give the appearance of more space, which translates into selling points.
De-personalize
As a seller, you want potential buyers to visualize themselves in your home. As the old saying goes, “if you can see it, you can be it.” Taking down Suzie’s dance posters or Junior’s trophies makes that visualization easier. No one is saying that you have to get rid of your things, just put them away. Out of sight, out of mind should be your mantra.
Always remember, in home sales and in life, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!!!
