Published On: February 12th, 2025|Categories: Blog, Clutter Control, Home page, Real estate, Sell|

For those of you who prefer to read, here is a transcription of my video with this title.

The first thing I’m going to say is that you will get the best advice on how to sell your home from a well-qualified realtor. Find one EARLY ideally 6-12 months before you’re ready to sell. I can make recommendations if you need them. Once you’ve chosen a realtor relationship you trust, here are some things you can do as a homeowner to streamline the process.

 

According to ActiveRain, the biggest home-seller mistakes are overpricing at 77% and limited showing availability at 34%. Cluttered space comes in third at 32%, which is where Matt Baier Organizing has got you covered! So much so that I’ve done a ten part video series on how to downsize your home. I also advise starting as early as possible. Why? Two words: hazardous waste. Don’t miss the free drop off! Check out this link to solve this big mistake: cluttered space. So what’s left that you can take control of? Here are 10 things:

 

1. Depersonalize

The best way to do this is to hire a professional stager, which I recommend in Step 7. If you must save on this cost, at least understand their essential objective: Stagers transform your home into a product for the marketplace. In every space in your home, look at what feels most unique and personal and remove it. What makes you feel welcome will make your potential buyer feel unwelcome. 

 

2. Outside

“Welcome” starts outside. Don’t forget curb-appeal. Your home’s first impression begins before you step foot inside. Be sure that the lawn and landscaping are kept trim and inviting. 

 

3. Entryway

Up next is your entryway, which should be set up to introduce potential buyers to your home well. While the outside represents the true first impression, the entrance represents the first impression of the inside of the home. It must feel open, bright and inviting.

 

4. Kitchen

Next up is the heart of the home. The kitchen absolutely must feel open and comfortable.  Clear the counters of everything but everyday appliances like the coffee maker and toaster. There also seems to be something magical about a bowl of green apples in the middle of the island.

 

5. Living room/family room

Declutter this so you can show this. Got it?

6. Bedroom

The goal must be a peaceful sanctuary. Get rid of the home office  or treadmill. Fast track to a peaceful sanctuary with all white and puffy details.

 

7. Paint

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, but it can get costly to paint every room. Remember the depersonalize rule. The most unique colors should probably be painted over first. Grays tend to be favored by millennials, but you can really never go wrong with linen white.

 

8. A clean house

It’s particularly important to depersonalize and clean the bathroom, but every room will be significantly more sellable when it is clean. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can be your best friend with the unsightly scuff marks. And did you know that you can make quick fix for nicks with toothpaste?

 

9. Nice smell

Related to cleanliness is smell. It’s easy to get comfortable with a familiar smell in your home, which is less comfortable to a buyer in a product for the marketplace. A pleasant smell has a powerful effect. On top of the clean smell, you can’t go wrong with the smell or fresh baked cookies!

 

10. Major repairs

Ok, this one may be a rude awakening after fresh-baked cookies, but here’s the deal. If there are cracks in the foundation or the roof needs repair, it’s better to address these repairs before the sale than having the buyer ask for a credit at closing to cover the cost of the repair later. That way you have more control over who does the repair and the total cost.

 

A market-ready home

The bottom line is, forget what you’ve learned to live with. Get honest with the familiar flaws in your home and convert it into a fresh new space. You want to create a welcoming blank page for somebody else to write their new chapter on. 

Are you planning to put your home on the market?

 

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