Clutter-Free Listings

April 27, 2015

Clutter-Free Listings

Sellers may get used to organized chaos such as pile of mail or a year’s worth of magazines which they seem to feel that it is part of the décor. Some sellers also think that displaying personal possessions makes their home unique, stand out among other houses on the list and seem to feel warm and inviting due to its personal touch. However, buyers see otherwise, as they associate clutter with disorganization and messiness. Too much clutter around the house hides the natural light and architectural design of the property and buyers miss its real beauty and would normally move on to the next listings.

In this article, we will be providing you with some tips on how sellers can improve their homes’ design before listing it for sale:

Provide buyers with selling basics

Location, price and condition are some of the factors that help buyers decide whether they want to purchase the property or not. Apart from these factors, home’s structure and features are also a deciding factor for buyers. Another added bonus is that sellers who took time to declutter before listing their property for sale, means that they far better prepared to move. This also keeps the property clean for open houses and viewing requests, more so those last minute ones.

Be specific

Making sure that you explain your expectations in details will enable sellers to know which specific part of the house has a trouble spot. Such as the following:

Front entry: As discussed from my previous blogs, first impression always lasts long. It is practical and advisable to leave out the most practical furnishings such as a bench and side table. Photos and other wall art can be considered as the least important.

Kitchen: remove refrigerator door magnets, throwing out expired food (practically cleaning out the entire content), and leave enough empty space so that shelves can be best viewed front to back.

Living spaces: this includes living and dining rooms, less is better since you are selling your home not your personal style.

Master bedrooms: it is best to clear away clothing and shoes. Bedrooms should convey a sense of serenity. It is also advisable for sellers to steer away with the idea of a second bedroom to be a possible storage for unused items.

Closets: closets should be emptied by half or one-third, and should be organized with uniform baskets, bins and hangers. Closet floors should not have a sight for hampers to avoid having the cluttered look.

Bathrooms: clear counters and fixture surfaces as well as keep prescriptions out of sight for safety reasons. Toothbrushes and hairstyling tools should be stored neatly. Towels can be utilized only for showing as long as they are new ones and folded neatly when not in use.

Attics, basements and garages: this is perhaps just like a spare bedroom where unused spaces are often utilized as storage for seasonal and rarely used items. Store only what they need in clearly labeled bins, otherwise buyers may think that the house does not have enough storage.

Outdoors: Outdoor living spaces can provide a more inviting appeal when presented with a table, a few chairs and barbecue.

Find a permanent solution

Organize piles and find a permanent solution of decluttering such as giving unused items to family, friends, or sharing nonprofits. Think of the saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Donate to charity, you are not just doing a good cause but this will also provide you with a permanent solution to get rid of unused items.

Haulers, just like charities, they will pick up unwanted items but you won’t get credit for a donation.

Sell or auction items – online can be one of the best platform to sell your unwanted item such as eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon. You can also do yard sales and flea markets or perhaps, organize a consignment with a local shop, however, if they are not sold right away the price may be lowered or it can be returned to the seller.

Finally, once you have gone through the decluttering process, try imagining the house as if you are seeing it for the first time. Check if there are still final changes that need to be made and welcome house hunters with a smile and confidence.

Source: http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/feature/article/2015/03/4-steps-clutter-free-listings