I am just back from a series of three broker’s open houses. Each REALTOR was looking for us to send honest feedback to their motivated homeowner. For two out of three of the homes, the feedback was the same: clean it up!
Even after 20 years in real estate, I am still surprised at how many REALTORS and homeowners do not take the initiative to stage the home for sale. Here is what I tell my homeowners:
1- You are moving anyways, so start packing EVERYTHING you don’t use on a day to day basis. Then tuck away the stuff you must have around.
2- Regardless of when you last painted, take the artwork down and get a fresh coat of neutral. Re-hang only the most neutral and decorative pieces.
3- Re-arrange the furniture for traffic flow and remove pieces that obstruct.
4- No personal items: no family photos, no wierd knick knacks, no embroidered pieces…neutralize the decor to look like a show room in a furniture store.
5- Devil is in the details: loose doorknobs, bad faucets, heating grates that rattle, stained showers, animal smells…these must be addressed prior to hitting the market.
I have re-fitted dozens of listings in this way and gotten homes sold that sat and sat with a less motivated REALTOR. If you have a house that needs to be re-freshed in a proactive way then get in touch for a personalized list of recommendations.
