Selling your home can be an overwhelming and stressful process, especially when you have kids and pets to take care of. Not only do you need to keep your home clean and tidy for potential buyers, but you also need to think about where your family will go at a moment’s notice when you get back-to-back-to-back showings. It’s a lot to juggle, but don’t worry, Team Deutsch has got your covered.
Here is a step-by-step guide to get your home market ready with kids and pets in tow while keeping your sanity in check:
CREATE A SCHEDULE FOR CLEANING AND DECLUTTERING
Set aside specific days of the week or times of day when you will focus on cleaning and decluttering your home. If your kids are old enough, you can involve them in the process by assigning them age-appropriate tasks such as picking up their toys, folding laundry, or helping you wipe down surfaces. Dedicating a small amount of time each day or over a couple of days will help keep your home in pristine condition for showings without feeling overwhelmed to get it all done right before.
MINIMIZE TOYS AND CLUTTER
To make your home look more spacious and less cluttered, remove unnecessary items such as old magazines/books, unnecessary furniture, and broken or unused toys. Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily store items that you don't need for the time being and donate any items that are still in good condition.
USE SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS
It’s ok to have toys in a kids’ room – but after you declutter, invest in storage solutions that will help keep your home organized and visually appealing to potential buyers. Baskets, shelves, and cabinets are a great way to keep a room clutter-free and provide a place to quickly put away items right before a showing.
DEEP CLEAN YOUR HOME
Before your home hits the market, be sure to thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom. This includes washing windows, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors. This will help your home look and smell fresh for potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint also helps make a home look clean (and gets rid of those smudges on the walls). Buyers are bedazzled by a house that sparkles and shines which can net you more money in the end.
ENLIST HELP FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Make a plan for how and where you will spend the time with your family and pets during showings. Talk ahead of time with your kids about what they would like to do – especially if you need to be out of the house for a long period of time. When it’s a quick showing and the weather is nice, take your kids and dog for a walk around the neighborhood or head to a nearby park or playground. If you need to be out of the house for several hours – ask nearby friends and family members if you can spend the time at their house. If bringing your pet along with you is not a viable option – create a pet-friendly space in a designated area of your home. Remember not everyone loves pets as much as you do, so make sure you find a space where your pet can safely stay but is out of the way so potential buyers can explore your home without feeling uncomfortable. It’s also important to communicate your plans with your Realtor so they are aware and can inform any buyers coming through your door.
Selling your home with kids and pets can be challenging, but following these tips can make the process a little easier. It is also important to work with a Realtor who will help guide you through this process every step of the way. Sara and Kevin Deutsch are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
If you are thinking about selling your home but don’t know where to start – contact Team Deutsch today for your free home valuation.
