GUEST POST BY SANDI BURGESS
Many home sellers think that because today’s market is such a strong seller’s market that they don’t need to do much to their home before putting it on the market. However, if your goal is to get as many offers and the highest price possible, you should still prepare your home like you would in a balanced market. The first step to that is to declutter your space.
The 3 Most Important Spaces to Declutter
- Kitchen ~ You have heard many times that “The kitchen is the heart of the home” for good reason. A beautiful and spacious kitchen is always at the top of a buyer’s wish list. Even a small kitchen can appear larger by taking personal items and small appliances off the counters. Also, put away recipe books, sponges, and other day-to-day items you have on your sink or counters. (Find out how to make your pantry sale-worthy here!)
- Master Bedroom, Bathroom, and Closet ~ You want to invoke a light and airy feel, so consider removing that second dresser or those dark and heavy curtains. Clear the bathroom counters and put shampoo and soap items away after showering. Remember, you want the buyer to think of themselves in the bath, not you. It’s important to organize your closet well and take out excess clothes–maybe even half (if you are like me!) You want your closet to appear as large as possible, but still show that it can hold a lot of items.
- The Great Room ~ Remove non-essential furniture, as well as photographs on the mantle and tables, and move remaining furniture around to create flow and space.
Every Space in Your Home Matters
Beyond the rooms of your house, don’t neglect tidying up these two other spaces:
- Declutter Your Walls ~ Take down any personal pictures and remember that “less is more” when it comes to wall art.
- The Yard ~ First impressions are extremely important. Eliminate yard art, put away the kid’s toys, and make sure the walk, porch, and front door are clean. The backyard matters too! Put away the sports equipment and extra patio items—you want the buyer to be able to envision themselves and their family enjoying the backyard and all its potential.
Making the effort to declutter is one of the easiest and cheapest things you can do to get your house “show” ready. Buyers can get easily distracted by your personal knickknacks and pictures, so by taking away most of your personal items, the buyer can focus more on the home itself. Also, fewer items and furniture will make your house feel bigger and help it appear cleaner and more well-maintained. All these things add value in the eye of the buyer.
~ Sandi Burgess is a realtor with Keller Williams in the Kansas City Metro area and is licensed in both KS and MO. Her goal is to make the buying/selling process as stress-free as possible, and help people realize the pride and satisfaction that comes from owning their own home. In her spare time, Sandi enjoys browsing local garage and estate sales, and doing home improvement projects–although they never turn out like on HGTV! You can reach her at: 913.515.1492 or at SandiBurgess@kw.com.