By Living Room Realty, February 27, 2019
Zen and the Art of House Preparation
Abraham Lincoln said if you give him six hours to cut down a tree, he would take four hours sharpening his axe. The same idea applies to preparing your house to sell (or a visit from your in-laws!).
Before Marie Kondo made it popular, I always encouraged clients to declutter their home. I think it is an investment of time which will always pay dividends when selling and moving. But it’s also important to spark joy for a buyer when they come to view. Consider the following…
Become the buyer! Depersonalize your home back into a house-
‣ Refresh the air and make sure pet odors are absent.
‣ Repair all those little issues you have been putting off.
‣ Replace clutter with space and fresh touches.
Grab attention from buyers! Be the best dressed house on the block-
‣ Refresh your yard and house paint.
‣ Repair lamps, mailbox and shutters.
‣ Replace the roof if needed, and get the gutters done too!
Welcome buyers! First impressions really count-
‣ Refresh the paint on your front door.
‣ Repair or clean your door hardware, including your bell.
‣ Replace old doormats and add flowers!
Entice the buyer! Clean, clean and then clean some more-
‣ Refresh carpets, rugs, draperies and clean appliances.
‣ Repair and clean vent covers and bathroom fans.
‣ Replace grimy grout and ceiling fans.
Create your buyer’s dreams! Stage your house to attract everyone-
‣ Refresh your viewpoint, or work with a professional Stager to gain clarity.
‣ Repair and showcase the kitchen, the heart of the home.
‣ Replace your color palette with neutrals so buyers can dream too.
