If you have pets or children, it can be a challenge to live in your home while you are trying to sell the house. First of all, you will want to get your home professionally staged. A fresh pair of eyes viewing your home in its best way is what you want. Once the house is staged, be sure your Realtor takes professional photos.
Home staging tips for living in your home with kids or pets while trying to sell:
Staging and selling your home with kids:
- All walls and floors need to be clear of marker, paint, and stains. If you have a playroom that has wall-to-wall carpeting that is beyond a good cleaning, replace it. Fresh paint always brightens a home; if your walls are badly marked up, painting is a good idea.
- If you have a designated playroom, you will want to stage the room so that it appears multi-purpose. All toys, games, puzzles, should be stored in bins with lids, preferably in a closet or out of site. The walls will need to be clear of taped up stuff, etc. Staging the room as a sitting area or small dining area can transform the space from playroom to a general use room.
- Kid’s rooms that are theme-decorated are super cute and would appeal to someone with kids; however, think about ways to downplay the theme. All stuffed animals and things need to be corralled in bins and stored out of sight. Think under the bed and closet storage. Maximize space by purging or giving away any grown out toys or clothing.
- Have an emergency plan in place if you get a call from your Realtor that they want to show the house. Every family member should have a job, have a big bin ready for loose things that can be stored in your car.
Staging and selling your home with pets:
- Living with pets can numb you toward their smell and odors. Carpeting should be professionally cleaned or replaced so that there are no smells when a potential buyer walks into your home.
- Anything related to the pet should be out of sight. Beds, toys, food, kitty litter.
- Be sure that your yard is clear of all animal droppings.
- If you have furniture that has been destroyed by a pet, you are better off removing it, or carefully decorating so that damaged areas are artfully displayed.
- Have an emergency plan if your Realtor calls and wants to bring over a prospective buyer. Grab all pet-related items and put them in your car, and bring your pet. You cannot show your home with the pet in the house. There is nothing worse than a barking or whining dog locked in a crate; it can quickly turn a potential buyer away. Also, many people are allergic to animals, and a home with pets could be an instant issue. Or they may be fearful of pets, either way, removing the pet from the house during a showing is essential. Have an arrangement with a friend or neighbor who can take your pet if you are unavailable.
If you need help with your home staging, give me a call 610.955.8202 or email. I have many options available where I come in and instruct you in 2 hours or less how to stage your home, or you could opt to have the Redesign Right team completely stage your home with what you already own in a day.
By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, Google+ and Instagram. Feature photo owned by Debbie Correale.