Putting the house on the market.

[windycitymom]

Here's my advice from what I remember buying our first home after we got married:

Just keep it clean and clutter free!!! It is that simple.

Thinking back, I don't remember anyone's furnishings, but I do remember if they kept a clean house (I'm a bit of a neat freak myself). We would visit some homes, and last night's dinner dishes and food would be left out on the counter! Clothes would be strewn on the floor! I can recall thinking to myself - do they really want to sell this house? Nasty bathrooms are the worst! Please don't leave hair in the sink, tub, shower or toilet. Outdated is okay as long as it is clean!!

We ended up buying our house from someone with 6 kids (3 bedroom house), but it was homey and clean. Guess what - cleaning is FREE or pay someone to come in and clean! No one will pay attention to your granite countertops if it's piled with papers, food and other crap!

 

[ktlm]

I'll give it to you from the perspective of someone who is looking for a home right now. Curb appeal is very important. Before we look at the inside of a house with our realtor, we drive by the outside. If we don't like the location, or the front of the house doesn't look nice to us, we don't look at it. It doesn't have to be perfect, just try not to have a yard full of weeds or peeling paint. As far as those who say to take out your family pictures, I don't agree. I have found that I tend to like the houses better that do have family pictures. It makes me think they are happy houses or a home. If there are no pictures at all, it feels very cold to me- almost makes me feel like it has bad karma! There are a few houses that I have almost considered even though they weren't what we were looking for BECAUSE all the family pictures made them feel like warm happy places. As far as your identity- hiding your pictures isn't going to hide who you are- it takes me about 2 minutes to find out who owns the property from the county clerk. It is public record, and many counties are even online. As far as the inside-decluttering and cleaning are the best idea. People want to think they are going to have a lot of space if they buy the house. It doesn't have to be perfect, just not a mess. Be cautious about smells. We have been in one house that they were cooking with strong garlic; one that had a workout room that smelled like body order;and one that smelled like fish. Also, many people seem to think that when people are coming to see their house they need to put out strong air fresheners. I can't tell you how many houses we have walked in that we have almost choked!!! Don't forget some people are allergic or sensitive to that stuff. If you have to use it, make it something very light and subtle. Yesterday we saw a house that we couldn't get out of fast enough even though it was a nice house because the plug in air freshener was so strong that my nose immediately started getting stuffy, my husband who isn't even allergic to that kind of thingstarted sneezing, and the realtor started coughing.

 

[lucigo]

Here's my advice from what I remember buying our first home after we got married:

Just keep it clean and clutter free!!! It is that simple.

Thanks I appreciate it. Its not simple and its not free. Because I work at home and get paid for what I do, its cutting into my work day. Its not simple because I have 4 kids and a long haired dog and a cat with kittens. But its what I have to do if I want to live with my husband 10 minutes from Disneyworld

 

[lucigo]

I'll give it to you from the perspective of someone who is looking for a home right now. Curb appeal is very important. Before we look at the inside of a house with our realtor, we drive by the outside. If we don't like the location, or the front of the house doesn't look nice to us, we don't look at it. It doesn't have to be perfect, just try not to have a yard full of weeds or peeling paint.

I will have to try to take a picture for you. Our house is not cookie cutter and will appeal to a certain person but many it won't. We are just on the edge of being country versus in town. THe view across the street is a horse farm and behind us a row of trees with a cotton field behind it. As it typical Florida, the house on our left is probably worth 200K and the house on the right worth probably 120K. We are in the middle. I will have to share some pictures

As far as those who say to take out your family pictures, I don't agree. I have found that I tend to like the houses better that do have family pictures. It makes me think they are happy houses or a home. If there are no pictures at all, it feels very cold to me- almost makes me feel like it has bad karma! There are a few houses that I have almost considered even though they weren't what we were looking for BECAUSE all the family pictures made them feel like warm happy places. As far as your identity- hiding your pictures isn't going to hide who you are- it takes me about 2 minutes to find out who owns the property from the county clerk. It is public record, and many counties are even online.

Good point I have taken down some pictures but not all of them. My dining room walls are bare right now and I have to figure out what to do with there!
As far as the inside-decluttering and cleaning are the best idea. People want to think they are going to have a lot of space if they buy the house. It doesn't have to be perfect, just not a mess.

Its amazing how much stuff has left this house in the last week. And at least that much more still needs to go. Some will have to wait, like my husband's ginormous computer desk. He is going to have to tackle that project when he gets home in June.
Be cautious about smells. We have been in one house that they were cooking with strong garlic; one that had a workout room that smelled like body order;and one that smelled like fish. Also, many people seem to think that when people are coming to see their house they need to put out strong air fresheners. I can't tell you how many houses we have walked in that we have almost choked!!! Don't forget some people are allergic or sensitive to that stuff. If you have to use it, make it something very light and subtle.

I'm with you here, I can't stand strong smells and I can tell when I walk in a house if the owners use Tide. I will sneeze until I leave!
Yesterday we saw a house that we couldn't get out of fast enough even though it was a nice house because the plug in air freshener was so strong that my nose immediately started getting stuffy, my husband who isn't even allergic to that kind of thingstarted sneezing, and the realtor started coughing.

Thanks

 

[Momoftwins+1]

Well from the perspective of someone who just closed on their house that sold in 3 weeks this is what we did.

#1 we found a FABULOUS realtor who was on the same page and knew her stuff! Without a great realtor in this market, it makes selling way harder!

#2 declutter! My realtor provided 2 hours with a home stager so that helped us because I'm not a designer by any stretch of the imagination! We rented a small storage unit and I moved everything we didn't need into it. I also took down all family pictures, not to make it not seem homely but I just didn't want everyone to know exactly who lived in the house and their photos ( especially my small children...there are lots of creepies out there ) It will also make the pictures pop easier if the rooms are stuffed to the gills, and allow good angles because there won't be stuff just in the way. Pictures on every website is a huge must in this market.

#3 keep it clean! I've never been so miserable in my life as the week before it went on the market and the 3 weeks it was on the market because I smelled like lysol and magic eraser 24/7. But, every feedback we got said " Wow how does she keep it SO clean with 3 small kids "< the 2 toddler beds and younger kid room gave it away > With a giant lab and 2 cats keeping fur at bay was miserable!!!

We just closed and I've never been so relieved in my life! ( military with orders to move ) but the cleaning, even if its a pain in the rear to keep it sparkling will make a huge difference!

Good luck and may it sell quickly!

 

[StephMK]

When we sold a few years ago, after decluttering & cleaning everything, I mean everything, I invested in new towels & welcome mats. Once you get stuff clean, just make it a habit to wipe down the tub when someone's done, fill the dishwasher, etc. DH had already moved so it was me, the 3 kids & 2 dogs.

I had a 5 minute drill where I could zip around the house, set out the "guest only" new towels in each bath, had empty drawers in some dressers to stash last minute clutter & get out of the house. I kept the new towels in each bath. The kids knew not to use them & I hung them up when we needed to leave the house or someone was coming by. Allow yourself places to stash stuff in areas that people probably won't look - your own furniture, the dryer/washer if needed & once I took a laundry basket of stuff & threw it in the trunk of my car!

When we shopped, we remembered clean houses and ended up buying an older home w/lots of potential. The furniture looked like a grandma's but it was very clean & I knew paint goes a long way to updating a house. It was actually owned by a family with totally different style but the cleanness of the house was a huge plus with our short moving time frame.

Good luck, not fun but hopefully it'll sell quickly for you!

 

[ktlm]

We are just on the edge of being country versus in town. THe view across the street is a horse farm and behind us a row of trees with a cotton field behind

That sounds like a wonderful location!

 

[MG3G]

Ok sell your house to meeeee Yours sounds exactly like what we want for our next move up BUT can't afford here. Houses in the more rural areas - even tiny houses run over a million! Why do I live here again

Anyway - it sounds like you are on the right track. Have had some great suggestions - now you just need a little luck

 

[antsss]

You'll need to keep the house "q-tip clean" while it's being shown. This is a huge inconvenience, but it will pay off. Good luck to you!!

 

[lucigo]

Well from the perspective of someone who just closed on their house that sold in 3 weeks this is what we did.

#1 we found a FABULOUS realtor who was on the same page and knew her stuff! Without a great realtor in this market, it makes selling way harder!
I think I have found a good realtor, she answers my emails immediately and she found someone to fix my ceiling drywall for a great price. She seems very professional and was confident she could sell the house. The first co. we talked to basically said we should just rent it because we couldn't get what we owe on it
#2 declutter! My realtor provided 2 hours with a home stager so that helped us because I'm not a designer by any stretch of the imagination! We rented a small storage unit and I moved everything we didn't need into it. I also took down all family pictures, not to make it not seem homely but I just didn't want everyone to know exactly who lived in the house and their photos ( especially my small children...there are lots of creepies out there ) It will also make the pictures pop easier if the rooms are stuffed to the gills, and allow good angles because there won't be stuff just in the way. Pictures on every website is a huge must in this market.

Thats a good point. Most of the pictures are coming down.
#3 keep it clean! I've never been so miserable in my life as the week before it went on the market and the 3 weeks it was on the market because I smelled like lysol and magic eraser 24/7. But, every feedback we got said " Wow how does she keep it SO clean with 3 small kids "< the 2 toddler beds and younger kid room gave it away > With a giant lab and 2 cats keeping fur at bay was miserable!!!
This is definitely going to be the hardest part!
We just closed and I've never been so relieved in my life! ( military with orders to move ) but the cleaning, even if its a pain in the rear to keep it sparkling will make a huge difference!

Good luck and may it sell quickly!

When we sold a few years ago, after decluttering & cleaning everything, I mean everything, I invested in new towels & welcome mats. Once you get stuff clean, just make it a habit to wipe down the tub when someone's done, fill the dishwasher, etc. DH had already moved so it was me, the 3 kids & 2 dogs.

I had a 5 minute drill where I could zip around the house, set out the "guest only" new towels in each bath, had empty drawers in some dressers to stash last minute clutter & get out of the house. I kept the new towels in each bath. The kids knew not to use them & I hung them up when we needed to leave the house or someone was coming by. Allow yourself places to stash stuff in areas that people probably won't look - your own furniture, the dryer/washer if needed & once I took a laundry basket of stuff & threw it in the trunk of my car!

When we shopped, we remembered clean houses and ended up buying an older home w/lots of potential. The furniture looked like a grandma's but it was very clean & I knew paint goes a long way to updating a house. It was actually owned by a family with totally different style but the cleanness of the house was a huge plus with our short moving time frame.

Good luck, not fun but hopefully it'll sell quickly for you!

THats the hardest part, not having anywhere to hide stuff!!!

That sounds like a wonderful location!

Thanks, it is, I'm going to miss it! We are only moving because DH couldn't find a job here.

Ok sell your house to meeeee Yours sounds exactly like what we want for our next move up BUT can't afford here. Houses in the more rural areas - even tiny houses run over a million! Why do I live here again

Anyway - it sounds like you are on the right track. Have had some great suggestions - now you just need a little luck

When I bought this house it was because it was cheap enough that I could still afford to take my kids to Disney and make the payment. My husband had just died and it was going to be a transition home. Well after I met my now husband we added him, his kids and our new baby. Long story short we added a family room, 4th bedroom and laundry room, redid the kitchen and added an above ground pool. Its been a great 10 years. When I'm out playing frisbee in the back yard with the dog I wonder how different life will be in Orlando. I'm sure there will be good things about it, but also that I will miss my simple home in tiny little Pace, FL

You'll need to keep the house "q-tip clean" while it's being shown. This is a huge inconvenience, but it will pay off. Good luck to you!!

Q-tip clean is not my specialty but I'm going to do my best! My hands feel like magic eraser already LOL

 

[lastminutemom]

Could you send any of the animals to your husband? That would really make your life easier.

Aside from all the good advice you have gotten here about appearances, right now in most markets it is all about price. If you want your house to sell, you have to price it right. Price it so that people believe they are getting a bargain, because that is what most buyers are expecting right now.

 

[minnie1928]

once I took a laundry basket of stuff & threw it in the trunk of my car!

I did this every time we had a showing. I had the kids each assigned a task, my DD (5 at the time) was supposed to turn on EVERY light in the house. DS (9 at the time) was to go get all the dirt laundry (including towels) and put it in a basket. I ran around and put up all the "pretty" towels, made some break-n-bake cookies, swiffered, & turned on some soft classical music. The laundry basket went to the car along with the dog, dog dishes, etc. My goal was to make the house look like a model, not like something that needed work or that reminded people of work (dishes in the sink, ironing board left open, etc.).

I sold in 3 weeks and couldn't have been happier when I found out I didn't have to keep doing all this stuff!

 

[lucigo]

Could you send any of the animals to your husband? That would really make your life easier.

Aside from all the good advice you have gotten here about appearances, right now in most markets it is all about price. If you want your house to sell, you have to price it right. Price it so that people believe they are getting a bargain, because that is what most buyers are expecting right now.

I wish! He is renting a room from a woman so no pets. Its actually been great, he originally was going to charge him $500 a month. He was an electronics tech in the navy for 20 years before he became a teacher...so he is working off most of his rent doing electrical work for her.

We have a dog pen in the back of the property, when people come to see the house I will have to lock the dog up back there, she is not stranger friendly When we move to Orlando my oldest is taking her with her, moving into an apartment closer to the university. I'm praying that works out!

 

[lucigo]

I did this every time we had a showing. I had the kids each assigned a task, my DD (5 at the time) was supposed to turn on EVERY light in the house. DS (9 at the time) was to go get all the dirt laundry (including towels) and put it in a basket. I ran around and put up all the "pretty" towels, made some break-n-bake cookies, swiffered, & turned on some soft classical music. The laundry basket went to the car along with the dog, dog dishes, etc. My goal was to make the house look like a model, not like something that needed work or that reminded people of work (dishes in the sink, ironing board left open, etc.).

I sold in 3 weeks and couldn't have been happier when I found out I didn't have to keep doing all this stuff!

Ok I hadn't even thought of this, when someone is coming to see the house we take the dog with us! Duh, thanks!

After the overhaul we are doing I'm hoping the maintenance work will be a piece of cake compared to this...I'm exhausted!

 

[lucigo]

Those of you who moved to Orlando...please tell me this is worth it!! LOL Do you love it there??

 

[youcansmellit]

We sold our house about a year ago (Best thing I have ever done!) We had a couple tricks:

1. before an open house bake!! I asked my wife to bake a pie before the open house and its smells so good and cozy. people just get a good feeling when they smell good food. DO NOT light candles or use a spray, people will think that you are trying to cover a bad smell up.

2. Rent a storage. Most places will give you the first month free, we sold our house with the first open house so we never had to pay for the storage we had. We put just about everything we owned in the storage.

3. Try to paint, even if you have an old can of a room that might not need it. Paint even one wall to get that smell of new paint. people will think that something is new.

4. get all signs of you out. no pictures or favorite old teddy bears, etc...

5. We asked a couple friends to come over and point out one thing they didn't like about a room. That was very helpful.

I wanted to sell it fast so I made sure to make the changes that I could without putting a ton of money into it. We sold our house very fast. 1 open house we got 3 bids. We sold for more then what we had asked.

 

[lucigo]

We sold our house about a year ago (Best thing I have ever done!) We had a couple tricks:

1. before an open house bake!! I asked my wife to bake a pie before the open house and its smells so good and cozy. people just get a good feeling when they smell good food. DO NOT light candles or use a spray, people will think that you are trying to cover a bad smell up.

I'm on a carb-free diet, its hard enough already LOL
2. Rent a storage. Most places will give you the first month free, we sold our house with the first open house so we never had to pay for the storage we had. We put just about everything we owned in the storage.
I'm going to check on this today, we also have a neighbor with a garage as big as our house, so I'm considering asking him if we could use a corner for a couple of months, even offer to pay him what the storage would cost!

3. Try to paint, even if you have an old can of a room that might not need it. Paint even one wall to get that smell of new paint. people will think that something is new.
We have a lot of touching up to do, praying I can find the paint color for my daughter's room and don't have to strategically place pictures

4. get all signs of you out. no pictures or favorite old teddy bears, etc...
Getting most of them down.
5. We asked a couple friends to come over and point out one thing they didn't like about a room. That was very helpful.
That is a great idea, I need to ask a friend to tell me if my house smells! LOL I don't think it does but maybe I'm just used to it??
I wanted to sell it fast so I made sure to make the changes that I could without putting a ton of money into it. We sold our house very fast. 1 open house we got 3 bids. We sold for more then what we had asked.

Ideally we would like to move mid August. We have an autism camp here that goes through July, plus we would like to enjoy our pool throughout the summer! That said, if someone offered to buy it tomorrow I wouldn't say no, we would just have to find temporary housing for the summer.

So what do you think about a giant fish tank, should we take it down? Its about 4ft x 1-1/2 ft.

I also have a couple of walls I don't know if I should paint, I may post some pictures and get opinions, but these rooms have become the catch-all while I overhaul so not quite there yet!

 

[lucigo]

Ok I know I will get a brutally honest answer here...should I repaint the dining room? If I repaint top and bottom I have to find matching top paint as it goes throughout a lot of the house. I could just make the bottom solid, or paint it a different color? Or should I match the top and take off the chair rail? Or leave it the way it is? LOL

 

[youcansmellit]

So what do you think about a giant fish tank, should we take it down? Its about 4ft x 1-1/2 ft.

I would say the fish tank has got to go. I feel like people try to think of the spot as their own. If they don't have fish, the fish tank would force them think about what to do with the space. If you have nothing in the spot or just a table they would just think "place for a table". Everyone has tables, so no extra thinking. It sounds crazy, but with out your control you start trying to put your things into the space.

We looked at a place that had a chicken coop. We started thinking about getting chickens. Thinking that would be fun. Then we thought that it would be a pain to take care of them, The afterthought was to take it out. In our heads it was the house with the coop. You don't want people see your house and describe it as the place with the fish tan.

The dining room looks nice, I wouldn't worry about that.

 

[lucigo]

I would say the fish tank has got to go. I feel like people try to think of the spot as their own. If they don't have fish, the fish tank would force them think about what to do with the space. If you have nothing in the spot or just a table they would just think "place for a table". Everyone has tables, so no extra thinking. It sounds crazy, but with out your control you start trying to put your things into the space.

We looked at a place that had a chicken coop. We started thinking about getting chickens. Thinking that would be fun. Then we thought that it would be a pain to take care of them, The afterthought was to take it out. In our heads it was the house with the coop. You don't want people see your house and describe it as the place with the fish tan.

The dining room looks nice, I wouldn't worry about that.

Thanks for the honest answer, my son put the fish tank on craigslist, hopefully someone will buy it and give him an excuse to get it out of here