One of the most common questions from home sellers are, “do I really need to put my family pictures away”? The short answer is “yes,” but maybe not for the reasons you assume. The general principle is that buyers need to be able to visualize their own lives in the home prior to making a decision in regard to submitting an offer.
There is nothing new about this, but in this complicated age of security challenges, there are also safety reasons to store away and/or remove certain items before showings.
10 Things to Store Away or Remove When Listing Your Home for Sale
- Excess Furniture – Consider removing extra chairs, ottomans, side tables, etc., anything unnecessary.
- Family Photos – You do not know who is coming through your home; protect your family by removing any identifiable pictures, awards, certificates, etc.
- Valuable Art Pieces/Collectables – For security purposes, it’s better to store these items away.
- Laptops and Cell Phones – Anything easily picked up and removed should be safely stored away.
- Jewelry – Again, anything of value should be secured out of sight.
- Important Files and Papers – Hide any papers that may have banking or social security numbers that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
- Firearms – Protect yourself and others by securing any firearms.
- Declutter – Nothing new here, keep the home clean.
- One Third to Half of All Décor – Think about removing at least 30%-50% of any decorative items such as pillows, vases, books, etc. Remember, less is more.
- Pets – Keep your pets safe and away from visitors.
If you’re ready to start showing your home, taking a little time to depersonalize can not only help your buyers see the potential of the home for their lives, but protect yourself and your family as well.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the Twin Cities, or the surrounding areas, please feel free to call, text, or email Shannon at your earliest convenience. Search properties listings @ https://shannonlindstrom.results.net/.
Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, AHWD, CRS, GREEN, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results
Direct: 612-616-9714
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