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Getting your home ready to sell? De-Clutter

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Jeffries Lydon

One of the easiest and most important things to do when selling your home is to deee-clutter, or simplify.  This may seem like a daunting task, but once you start is moves along quickly.

Begin with one room and work your way through your home.  I usually recommend starting with the closet and work your way out.  Make a pile of things you no longer need. You can either donate to your local Salvation Army or have a garage sale.  This chore will make packing much easier.

What else should you remove?  Start with personal photos, stacks of books, and nick knacks.  You want your buyer to imagine themselves living in your home.  Your personal items will make that harder . Your kitchen counters should be sparse with only a few decorative items.

Need more space?  Look around and see if you have too much furniture.  Removing a chair, extra table, or even a leaf in your dining table will open up the space.

The idea is to make your home feel staged. If you need a fresh pair of eyes, ask a friend or your Realtor to give you their opinion.

You will be surprised how much you can do once you get started.  Good luck!

Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

You are right the seller should get their home ready to sell one easy way to do this is by de-cluttering and yes it does help to seek the advice on a Realtor or friend. Thanks for sharing.

Dec 19, 2009 03:53 AM
Miriam Bernstei
Rochester, NY

I receently decluttered my house just because and it was a horrible oeverwhelming experience that took weeks.  The Salvation Army by the way is picky in terms of what they will accept.  So much work.  It can take months.

Dec 19, 2009 03:56 AM
Vicki Lloyd
The Lloyd Realty Group - San Diego, CA
(619)452-9798, Real Estate San Diego California

This is such a basic place to start - I'm amazed at how many sellers don't take the time to really get ready to sell!  I tell my sellers to pack everything that they don't absolutely need to use in the next 90 days.  If they are serious about selling, it needs to get packed anyway! 

Dec 19, 2009 04:00 AM
Brandi Laffins
Century 21 Jeffries Lydon - Chico, CA

Thanks for the comments. I know how much work it is to get your house ready to sell because I am doing it myself.  I think its a good learning experience for Realtors to put their homes on the market.  Not only do we know what our sellers are going through, but we can tell them know we've been through it.

Dec 19, 2009 06:40 AM
Marzena Melby
Coldwell Banker Burnet Realty - Richfield, MN
Realtor, Twin Cities Minnesota Real Estate

Brandi, de-cluttering is a $$ generating activity.  When done, the homes seems more spacious and cleaner.  It'll sell faster and for more money.

Dec 21, 2009 10:49 AM