Tips for Listing Your Home

Listing your home doesn't have to be a stress fest. In fact, you can make it as painless as possible.

So start at the beginning, Call a Licensed Real Estate Agent. Set a fair price according to the comps that the Agent provided. Do any repairs that you're able to do. You really want to focus on the art of decluttering. Clean out closets, make sure the clothes in the closets are uniformly hung. If I know there's going to be a showing, I tell my sellers to remove dirty dishes from the sink, the dishwasher is cleaned out, and the sink is thoroughly cleansed. I also tell them they should make sure that the toilet is scrubbed and smelling clean. The shower and or bathtub should be free of soap scum and tiles shined. Dow Scrubbing Bubbles is great for this, just spray and then wipe. It also leaves a great smell!

The kid's toys should be removed from the floor and everything should be tidied in the kid's room(s). Another biggie.....MAKE THOSE BEDS!! Nothing is more unsightly then seeing an unmade bed. Potential buyers can be turned off by beds that looked slept in. Also, PLEASE don't expect your Agent to make the beds, scrub the floors, and take out your trash. We also shouldn't be expected to de-poop the litterbox. C'mon, have a heart.

Next, remove ALL personal items from the tops of dressers. Buyers want to picture themselves in your home. They can't do that with Aunt Myrtle and Uncle Fred staring at them. Remove shoes, boots, rain and winter gear from front halls.  Nothing worse then seeing a mess as soon as you walk through the front door.

People are going to be walking through your house. They want to see the rooms....not clutter.  I would also take magnets off of the refrigerator. It's just another distraction. Just the essentials please! What was it that Thoreau said? "Our life is frittered away by detail.....simplify....simplify." SO SIMPLIFY.  De-personalize!

Imagine yourself as a potential buying. Go through each room. Does it pass the buyer test? Now be objective! They aren't going to love your kid's toys, or the fingerpainted walls in your kid's room.  Buyers don't give a hoot about that stuff.....they don't think it's cute. Remember, they're not their kids. Buyers will just think it's another chore they'll have to do. It might break interest in your home.

Next is pets. I used to take my dog out during the designated time before I was an Agent. The dog always went with me. The cat stayed under the bed, as she's shy. She's a hider. I make sure that the dog's bed is up on the closet shelf. I did have to leave the litterbox. I made sure it was fresh and clean with no poop inside. If you have a cat, de-poop the box before the showing. Sprinkle some baking soda in the box before leaving. It's safe for the cat...and masks all smells. It makes a better impression.

Remove any item that might be considered offensive or disrespectful. Any political posters or signs on the lawn? Buyers might not share your views. Take 'em down. Religious items, they may be of a different denomination, be respectful of that difference. Also, be aware of anything that might be  taken the wrong way. Please also remove drug paraphernalia. I did a showing once, and the seller left it out for all to see. It wasn't cute and it wasn't funny. My buyer was appalled, and we abruptly left. NO SALE!!

Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE -- Lock up ANY medications. Home showings are notorious for people rifling through medicine cabinets. Any expensive jewelry? Hide it or lock it away. PLEASE. Always err on the side of caution!

These are honest truths. They are not meant to be insulting. Be discriminating about what you leave out in the open. Sometimes, buyers bring children to showings. Don't leave videos, magazines, books, or anything you wouldn't want your child to see.

Customer proofing is always necessary when you list. You can always ask your agent what's appropriate. Just use common sense. If you have to wonder if it's ok to leave out....it probably isn't.

I'm an expert on the art of de-cluttering. I'm happy to answer questions. I'm Rob....call me! (717) 698-0329, Howard Hanna Real Estate. Serving Hanover, Gettysburg, York and surrounding Pennsylvania. Free MLS search: http://robertbiancuzzo.howardhanna.com