For even the most organized among us, preparing a home to go on the market is no simple task. When you add kids to the mix, life can get chaotic pretty quickly.
Luckily, with a bit of careful planning, busy parents can simplify the cleaning, decluttering, and staging process. If you’re a parent, here are a few steps you can take to stay sane while you get your house or condo ready to sell.
Clean up
Family homes tend to be pretty lived-in, so getting them ready to show can take some extra time. Be sure to devote several weekends to the process, and focus your energy on the following tasks.
Decluttering
Junk drawers filled to the brim. Play areas stuffed with toys. Storage spaces packed with clothing your kids have outgrown. If your family is like most, you produce a lot of clutter. The solution is to declutter thoroughly, tackling one room at a time.
Storage
One common mistake sellers make is using their garages, attics, and sheds as dumping grounds for clutter. Remember: prospective homebuyers will almost certainly want to peek inside of your storage areas. So when you’re decluttering, be ruthless—toss and donate as many items as you can.
Scour thoroughly
The more family members you have, the more likely it is that hidden grime has been accumulating in your home. Now is the time to get your living space spic and span—from the baseboards to the ceiling fans. Don’t forget messes that often go unnoticed, like dirty stove drip pans or the grouting between shower tiles.
Stage for broader appeal
Which buyer demographic will your home most likely appeal to? Your real estate agent can help you figure it out—and prepare your house or condo accordingly. Just remember that whoever your target buyer is, they’ll want to see your home’s full potential. That means you should aim to create a sophisticated (yet functional) living space. Here are a few general rules that can help.
Depersonalize
Buyers who tour your home want to imagine living there, and seeing your personal items can pose a distraction. To help homebuyers picture their belongings in your space, pack away your family photos, souvenirs, and kids’ artwork.
Maximize your space
Make your space look bigger to increase its appeal to every buyer who walks through the door. Start by storing bulky items such as strollers, car seats, and play equipment. Once these items are out of the way, consider rearranging your furniture to create a sense of spaciousness.
Tone it down
In most family homes, kids’ bedrooms tend to be on the whimsical side. If you’re marketing your home to families, there’s nothing wrong with that. But you should be aware that other parents may not share your tastes (or the tastes of your child). Air on the side of caution by toning down theme bedrooms and bright, primary colours. Your real estate agent can help with this process—or recommend a stager who can.
Involve the kids
Kids are smart. A lot of the time, they can sense major changes before they happen. That’s why it’s a good idea to sit your children down for a talk early on. Tell them what selling your home will mean for the family, and ask them how they feel about it.
One of the best ways to get kids on board is to build excitement. After the move, will they get brand new bedrooms? Will there be a bigger backyard where they can play?
Lastly, selling your home will give you an opportunity to help teach your children responsibility. Get the kids to pitch in by cleaning up after themselves. During the decluttering stage, assign chores. Consider offering rewards to provide motivation.
Get ready to show
Your home is clean, staged, and ready to show. Now you just have to keep it that way. That’s easier said than done when you have kids, but there’s one thing you can do to help keep your home sparkling.
Try spending more family time outside of your house or condo. Have playtime in the park. If possible, eat more meals in restaurants—or at the homes of friends and family members. Reducing kid messes and food odours can help you make a better impression on homebuyers.
It’s also a good idea to be prepared for last-minute showings. Consider packing a bag with toys, snacks, and anything else your family might need if you have to leave home suddenly.
Are you preparing to sell your home? We’ve helped many families navigate the selling and moving process. Give us a call, and we’ll discuss your needs.
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