The most common tip sellers receive for preparing their home for the market is to clean. Cleaning is one of the easiest and cheapest things sellers can do to minimize the days their home will spend on the market. Many sellers easily understand this and are willing to put in the effort, or hire a professional. It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your home on a weekly basis, there will be deep cleaning that needs to be done before listing.
Most sellers understand cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering and staging. But sometimes I get resistance when I remind them to clean and organize their refrigerator. That’s right, your fridge. Not just the exterior and top, but inside as well. The protests are usually when the sellers do not plan on conveying the fridge to the buyers.
My personal statistics show that I work very evenly, representing both buyers and sellers. This gives me the advantage of knowing what buyers do when they are in your home. Regardless of what the MLS says about the refrigerator not conveying, 9 times out of 10 the buyers will check out the fridge. They want to know what size they can fit in the space, what colors and style look best, and of course, do they want to ask for the refrigerator in negotiations. So, they open your refrigerator doors and peak inside.
Here is what your fridge conveys... even if you don't plan on conveying it.
The entire house is tidy, but the fridge is disgusting. You just cleaned up, and over the past few years, this home was not well cared for. They start wondering if there is hidden deferred maintenance.
The house is tidy, but not white glove clean, but the fridge and oven are clean. You aren’t a clean freak, but take care of the home at an acceptable level.
The house is immaculate, the windows sparkle, and the fridge is organized and spotless. Well cared for home, this house is on the top of our list!
Don’t let the fridge make a negative first impression!
Brought to you by Ranee Bray of TCP Realty; your Cedar Park & NW Austin Real Estate professional. Thinking of buying or selling? General real estate questions? I am here to help save you money, time and reduce stress. Please call, text or email me, raneebray@tcphouses.com, (512) 270-9750, www.RaneeBray.com
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