So much stuff...Step 1

Preparation

Don’t get caught at the last minute trying to prepare your house for sale.  This is too important of a process to hurry through!  Remember—price and condition are the two key factors to attracting buyers. 

So, what can you do to get started?  My first suggestion is to start packing—yes, start packing!  Take each room separately and create two piles 1) throw away/recycle and 2) pack.  Throw away/recycle items are those items that you won’t need or don’t want to take to your new home.  Consider having a garage sale or donating some items to a local charity.  Pack items are those that you want, but don’t need to use until you move into your new home. This gives you a head start on packing when the actual time comes to move!  You can store the boxes in a corner of the basement or garage (neatly, please).  If you have a lot of boxes and/or furniture, you may consider renting a mobile storage unit, eg, POD or mini, or family/neighbor’s garage or basementƒº

When every room is done, take inventory of remaining items.  Are you sure you need everything that you left?  If so, make sure all items are neatly organized in closets, neatly stored in cabinets and drawers, and no personal items are out on counters. Also, make sure that toys and other paraphernalia belonging to kids and pets have their own storage area—out of sight.  If you plan this storage area ahead of time, you will be better prepared to clean up before a showing.  If you have additional items laying around such as personal photographs, videos, DVDs, CDs, magazines, mail, schoolwork, etc., also find storage areas for these so they do not create an eyesore or distract a buyer.  You would be surprised what types of things can distract a buyer when he/she is looking at homes! 

When you think you have accomplished all of the above, take one more look around.  How does it look—clean, organized, neat, everything in its place?  Good—now you are ready for Step 2.

Date: Wednesday, September, 17th 2008 @ 08:49:30 AM
Views: 62

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