A frustrating dilemma occurs when you put your Southern Maryland home up for sale. The need to keep your home clean and staged collides with the fact that you still need to live there. Trying to keep your home in showing-ready condition when you’re living in it, complete with kids and/or pets, is a delicate balancing act.
Plus, there are other little annoyances that go along with having your house on the market. It’s always easier and less stressful to enter a new process armed with knowledge. So, let’s dive into what you can expect while your home is on the market and how to make it easier on you and your family.
Keeping your home clean
Home with no clutter sell for $1,500 to $2,000 more than comparable homes that are messy, according to a study from a few years ago.
That gets your attention, right?
Clean homes show pride of ownership, and Southern Maryland homebuyers notice. When your home is clean, they perceive that it is also well-maintained.
But, if you have kids or pets, keeping your home clean isn’t an easy job. Make a plan before you list your home, and give each family member a list of tasks to complete before they leave home each morning. Even the youngest family members can pitch in by putting toys away.
It may mean getting up a little earlier each morning, but for an extra thousand dollars or two, it’s worth it.
Decide now what to do with your pets
Sellers with pets have thought of some clever ideas on how to deal with their pets during home showings.
From dropping them at doggy daycare or a groomer to hiring a dog walker to get them out of the home during showings or crating them, come up with a solution that you can put into action on those days when agents will be showing the home.
Then, make sure their food and water bowls, leashes, and toys don’t create clutter – stash them away.
Tip: If your dog uses the backyard as a potty, ensure that all the droppings are picked up before showings. The last thing you want is a potential buyer with dog poop all over her shoes.
Protect your privacy
It looks like they’re snooping, but most are really not! Many homeowners will open cupboards, drawers, and closets to check out the storage space in your house.
Of course, there are a small handful that actually are snooping, hoping to find something they can pocket. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s best to lock away these items – or remove them from your home altogether:
- Sensitive paperwork (such as anything having to do with your mortgage and home, credit reports, anything that could be used to steal your identity, and anything else you wouldn’t want a stranger to see).
- Checkbooks
- Credit cards
- Prescription medications
- Firearms
- Anything else of value that is easily pocketed
From the requests for last-minute showings to potential buyers wanting to view the home when you typically eat dinner, living in a Southern Maryland home for sale can be challenging.
Relax into the process and keep reminding yourself that it’s temporary. Soon, you’ll find a buyer and can look forward to moving on to the next phase in your life.
And – a bonus – you won’t have to worry about what to do with the dirty dishes or laundry as you rush out to work in the morning.
Mechanicsville MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
