Living in a for-sale home can be challenging. You may have to deal with various issues, including unexpected visits and the stress of keeping your property in tip-top condition for viewing.
Luckily, knowing what to do when preparing to sell your property can make the process smoother and less overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled several tips and tricks to help you out when selling your home while still living there.
Declutter and Depersonalize Your Space
Before opening your home to potential buyers while still living in it, it is best you take the time to declutter and depersonalize your space. This means removing personal items such as family photos, collectibles, and any unnecessary clutter.
Decluttering and depersonalizing will help you create a neutral environment that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home. When your space is clean and organized, it not only looks more spacious but also creates a more inviting atmosphere.
Stage Your Home for Showing
Staging your home is crucial in making it appealing to potential buyers. So, invest in some inexpensive updates, like fresh paint, new throw pillows, or updated lighting fixtures, to give your property a fresh and modern look.
You can also rearrange furniture to create a spacious and inviting layout, and consider removing bulky items that may make rooms feel cramped. If necessary, hire a professional stager to help you make the most of your space.
Keep a Photobook of Some of the Home Improvements
Another way to sell your home while living in it is by creating a photobook of home improvements to showcase the time and effort you’ve put into your home.
Your photobook can include before-and-after photos of renovations, landscaping projects, and any other upgrades you’ve made. By highlighting these improvements, you can demonstrate the care you’ve taken in maintaining and improving your property, adding to its value.
Fortunately, tools like Mixbook, a user-friendly online platform for making photo books, can help achieve just that.
Create a Flexible Showing Schedule
One of the biggest challenges of selling your home while still living there is accommodating showings. To make this process easier, you will want to create a flexible showing schedule that works for you and your family.
Be open to last-minute showings and consider scheduling regular open houses to minimize disruptions to your daily routine. It would also help to communicate your availability to your real estate agent and let them know when you need advanced notice for showings.
Have a Plan for Your Pets
While having your furry companions with you while living in a for-sale home is essential, ensuring they’re not present during buyer showings may be ideal. So, find a solution that accommodates both situations.
For instance, you could arrange for a trusted dog sitter or neighbor to pick your pets up and care for them during a showing. It’s essential to plan for this well in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Additionally, don’t forget about your pet’s belongings as you declutter your home. Have a designated place where you can quickly and easily stow their toys, bowls, and beds when buyers are scheduled to visit.
Create a Safe Spot for Keeping Your Valuables
When living in a for-sale home, it’s vital to anticipate unexpected visitors and take measures to protect your valuable items and documents. A good way to ensure their safety is by creating space in a secure safe or a lockable drawer, where you can store these items throughout the duration your property is on the market.
Ensure you always keep the key with you, such as in your wallet or on your regular key ring, rather than leaving it in the house. Taking these precautions will provide peace of mind knowing that your precious items are protected and secure from potential theft.
Conclusion
Selling your home while still living there can be a delicate process, but with these tips and tricks, you can make it less stressful. In addition, ensure you work with an experienced real estate agent who can help you know the improvements you need to make to boost the value of your property.
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