Selling a home can be an exciting yet daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from setting the right price to staging the house for potential buyers. One of the most overlooked aspects of this process is what to remove before a home sale. This selling a home checklist will guide you on what items you should consider removing to make your home more appealing and increase its market value.
Here’s what to remove before a home sale
Home sellers always wonder what to remove before a home sale. Here’s are some of the basics. But, always work with your local real estate professional before removing and for staging advice.
1. Personal Items and Clutter
The first step in preparing your house for sale is depersonalizing it. Potential buyers need to visualize themselves living in your space. This can be challenging if your personal items are scattered everywhere. What to remove before a home sale are personal belongings such as family photos, personal mementos, and unique decor. Items that reflect your individual style should be packed away.
Additionally, clutter can make rooms appear smaller. As a result, they distract potential buyers from seeing the true value of your home. This includes piles of books, magazines, toys, or any items that take up unnecessary space. Consider renting a storage unit or use a friend’s garage to store these items until after the sale.
2. Excess Furniture and Decor
While furniture and decor are essential for making a house feel like a home, too much can make spaces feel cramped and uninviting. When selling your house, less is more. Remove any oversized furniture that make rooms feel smaller than they are.
Also, consider removing outdated or worn-out decor items that might not appeal to potential buyers’ tastes. Instead, opt for neutral furnishings and decor that appeals to a broad range of people.
3. Unnecessary Appliances and Fixtures
Don’t forget about appliances and fixtures. If you have old appliances that aren’t adding value to your kitchen or laundry room, it might be best to remove them.
Similarly, if you have outdated light fixtures or bathroom hardware this could turn-off to buyers. Consider replacing fixtures with more modern options. If replacement isn’t in your budget, removing them altogether could be an option. Again, consult with your real estate agent.
4. Personalized Paint Colors and Wallpapers
Bold paint colors and wallpapers can be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. While you may love your bright red dining room or floral wallpaper, these personal touches may not appeal to everyone.
Before listing your home, consider repainting walls in neutral tones like white, beige, or gray. These colors appeal to a broad range of buyers and make spaces feel larger and brighter. If you have wallpaper, it’s usually best to remove it and paint the walls instead.
Selling a home involves more than just putting a sign in the yard. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that your house appeals to as many potential buyers as possible. Think about what to remove before a home sale. Create a checklist and research simple task for selling your home fast. Removing personal items, decluttering, minimizing furniture and decor, updating appliances and fixtures, and neutralizing paint colors can make your home more attractive to buyers.
Remember that every buyer is different. What one person loves about your home might be a turn-off for another. However, by consulting with your local agent and making general changes, you can increase the likelihood of attracting multiple offers. This will also lead to getting the best possible price for your home.
So before you list your property on the market, walk through each room. Consider what needs to go and what can stay. With the help of an experienced real estate agent, some effort and strategic planning, you’ll have an inviting space that potential buyers will love!