METCALF MOVING BLOG
How to Sell Your Home While Living in It
Trying to sell your home can be stressful enough—but for many, the most challenging part of selling is keeping the space looking “show-ready” at all times. Potential buyers may schedule showings at the drop of a hat, so you want to keep your home looking its best while on the market.
But how can you keep your home looking its best while still, you know, living in it? It’s not easy, but there are some helpful tips and tricks worth remembering.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Start with a deep cleaning and decluttering before you even put your house up for sale. Not only will this make packing more manageable when the time comes to move, but having less clutter will also make your home appear larger and more spacious. Clear out overflowing closet shelves, pantries, and anywhere else a potential buyer might look.
In addition to decluttering, now is a good time to depersonalize your space. You want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in your home—and that might be hard for them to do if there are photos of your family hung on every wall. Neutralizing your space may help your home sell faster and will also help with cutting down on that problematic clutter.
Stick With a Cleaning Routine
People want to avoid scrambling to clear off countertops and vacuum when the realtor calls about a last-minute showing. You can prevent this unwanted stress by implementing a cleaning routine that will keep your home looking more or less ready for showings at all times.
Yes, this will mean a little more work, but a daily cleaning routine will save you time, stress, and hassle as you try to sell your home.
Work With a Staging Company
If you are okay with the up-front investment, working with a staging company to stage your home can be a great way to get it looking its absolute best and appealing to more buyers. The best part? A staging company can usually work with your existing furniture to optimize the flow and interior design of your home. Consider, too, that a professionally staged home sells up to 30 times faster than a home where the owners didn’t stage it.
Have a Plan for Pets
Another issue that sellers frequently face is dealing with pets during scheduled showings. Ideally, you’ll want to remove your pets from the house entirely during a showing. Most prospective buyers will not want to be greeted by a barking dog—and others may even have pet allergies.
This is why it’s so important to have a plan to remove pets from your home whenever possible during a showing. If you have a trusted neighbor, see if you can bring your pet(s) by to stay at their place during showings. Consider loading and taking them in your vehicle until the showing is over.
Ready For Your Next Move?
Continuing to live in and enjoy your home while you have it up for sale will take some adjustment, but with these tips, you’ll be ready to sell in no time. When it comes time to move, contact us for a free quote.
