Selling a home can present many different challenges along the way. Depending on a home sellers situation, some may face more home selling challenges than others.
Whether it's attempting to sell and buy a home simultaneously, sell a home with pets, or sell a home with an elderly loved one, it's important that sellers realize what steps should be taken to over come the challenges.
For over the past 5 years working as one of the top Penfield NY real estate agents, I've been approached by many sellers who are parents. Many home sellers who have children don't realize the extra work and steps that should be taken.
It's extremely important that home sellers who have kids know how to do it. Read on to find out some of the best tips for selling a home with kids.
Make Sure Everyone Knows About The Sale
One of the biggest mistake that some home sellers make when selling a home with kids is they neglect to tell their kids they are selling their home. It's important that if a child is old enough to understand what is going on that they know their home is being sold.
If a kid has grown up in a home for their entire life or for the majority of it, they've likely built relationships and created memories in not only the home but also with the neighbors and other kids in the neighborhood. Not explaining to a child that their childhood home is being sold can be devastating.
Sellers who neglect to tell their children that the home is being sold end up typically making more work for themselves. A child who is aware of the sale and who is on board will be more willing to help make sure their room is clean and they don't destroy the house in-between showings.
Prepare The Home For The Market
Whether you're selling a home with kids or not, it's very important to prepare a home for the real estate market. There is only one chance to make a great first impression with a potential buyer.
Many buyers will immediately get a vibe when they walk into a home. If a home is dirty, filled with clutter, and doesn't show well, it's possible they will turn around and leave as quickly as they entered.
Preparing a home for the market does not need to be rocket science. Some easy and inexpensive (mostly free) ways to prepare a home for the market include;
- Decluttering
- Freshly painting rooms that require it
- Updating light fixtures
- Organizing closets
- Putting belongings into storage
Realize That Showings Will Require Work & Preparation
Preparing a home for showings takes work and preparation without kids, so you can imagine the extra work and preparation that is required when selling a home with kids.
The first noteworthy point for sellers who are selling their home with kids (and it's an important one) is that it is a terrible idea to restrict showings. Restricting showings is a great way to lose potential buyers. Certainly this does not mean that if someone calls at 3PM to show at 5PM that you need to accommodate, however, if a buyer gives 6-8 hours notice for a showing you need to accommodate.
To properly prepare for showings when selling a home with kids there are certain tasks you should not overlook. Some of the most important include;
- Cleaning up toys
- Cleaning off all counters
- Check underneath dressers, beds, and other areas where a kid can store/misplace their belongings
- Make all beds
Another extremely important thing that sellers need to keep in mind when selling their home with kids is that they should vacate their home during showings. This means you will have to pack up the kids and have a plan on how to kill some time during viewings. Some of the most popular things to do while your home is being shown with the kids include bringing the kids to a movie, bringing the kids to the park, or going to the toy store with the kids.
Know What Is Next
Another big challenge to selling a home with kids is figuring out what is next. As a seller plans their next move they need to make sure they are keeping their kids "in the loop."
If the plan is to move to another City or State, a seller should consider visiting their with their kids to make sure there are things to do and also to show their kids around their new City or State. Luckily the Internet has made it extremely easy to research new communities in terms of the local schools, things to do, health care facilities, and job opportunities.
For example, if a seller is thinking about moving to Rochester, NY, a simple Internet search will provide some excellent insight into the area. The first several results when searching for terms such as relocating to or moving to will be solid resources. Don't believe me? Try it out!
Final Thoughts
Selling a home with kids can be challenging, there is no doubt about that. Home sellers who properly know what it takes to sell a home with kids and how to prepare themselves and their children, will put themselves in a much better position than if they attempt it without researching and preparing!
The above 4 tips to selling a home with kids are just a few of the most important tips. Check out the link at the top for some more in-depth tips for selling a home with kids, courtesy of Rochester's Real Estate Blog!
Other Resources For Selling A Home With Kids
- Top Resources For Parents Selling Their Homes via Bundlr
- What Not To Do When Selling Your Home via Behance
- Guide To Selling Your First Home via LinkedIN Pulse
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