Declutter! A Must for Successful Home Sales

Your home may be in very good condition, well-built and attractive-looking. However, simple clutter will create feelings of chaos, confusion, and disorder. One of the most important things a home seller needs to keep in mind is that the decision to purchase a new home is both an emotional and intellectual response. You want your home to imply trust. When buyers see clutter, they consciously or subconsciously register that the home has been neglected, with more to fix than meets the eye. This undermines your home's marketability.

So, declutter. Before you put your home on the market, have a garage sale, throw things out, and box stuff up. Use off-site storage. Your potential move will be easier, and you will create that open, spacious, simplified look that buyers love. We’ve said it before: When it comes to marketing your home, less is more.
Front Yard

Carefully mow and trim your front yard. Remove all toys, clutter, pots, etc. Fertilize the grass a month or two ahead of time for that green grass buyers love. Trim and/or remove dead, tired growth. Make sure no shrubs block interior light by blocking windows. Place all tools out of sight, and coil all hoses neatly. Remove any extra cars, boats or trailers.
Mulch your garden. Keep flowering pots to a minimum, keep them large and bountiful with healthy plants.

Entryway

The buyers' first impression is critical, and shapes their attitude throughout the showing.

Put down a brand-new welcome mat. Clean all stains, repair all scratches on entryway. If the front door is worn, dirty, or mildewed, in need of refinishing, this is one of the most important care areas for you. Fresh paint or stain will make a great difference.
Consider having your whole house power washed to remove stains, spider webs and other clutter. If the paint is shabby, outdated or worn, invest in paint. It’s the quickest and easiest way to improve curb appeal.

If the entryway has a foyer, it needs to be spotless, clear of shoes, coats, etc. Create a focal point with an attractive table or a simple, yet attractive painting or artwork.
Living Areas

Keep rooms sparsely furnished. They will appear larger and brighter. Move large pieces of equipment, such as weight benches, treadmills, drumsets, ect. - off-site.

Do not allow furniture to impede traffic patterns or block windows. Do not permit stereo/tv wires to be seen or to cross traffic patterns.
Choose one or two elements as the main points of interest in a room - wood floors, a view, a table or piece of furniture, a nicely made bed, etc.

Remove ALL personal items, family pictures, memorabilia, collections, hobby/craft things, trophies, hunting trophies, etc. This is crucial. Remove any and all things that lend YOUR personality and interests from the home. Buyers are put off by YOUR STUFF. It’s hard for them to imagine themselves in YOUR home. Many times hunting trophies “taint” a home for buyers. Remove and store these.
Only the most healthy and vibrant of houseplants should be permitted. And, keep these small.

Bookshelves add a warmth to a room, but remove most of the books. Leave lots of empty space.

Open window blinds/drapes/curtains and leave on a few lamps for warm, low, pleasant lighting.

1.   Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and plays an important role in attracting the heart of a buyer. This area needs special attention.

Clean, finished cabinetry is a must. Add new paint or stain, if necessary. There are products that will restore finishes to marred or worn cabinets. Invest in these.

2.   New cabinet pulls are inexpensive and can help tie the room together in terms of colors and finishes.

Remove purely functional items - such as baking pans, small appliances, vitamins, phone books, plastic bags, etc.

Remove all notes or photos or magnets from the door of the refrigerator.

Clean and clear the counters completely, then add back a few decorator items.

Choose decorative pieces that contribute to a warm, elegant, organized look.

Organize and clean the areas under the sink. Store these items in the garage in boxes.

Remove all trash containers.

3.   Bathrooms

It is important to de-clutter bathrooms to give them a touch of elegance or romance.

You will give up some privacy during the marketing phase.

Remove everything from the counters.

Remove any toilet brushes or bathroom cleaners that are visible.

Put items that you use daily - toothbrushes, soaps, razors - in a container, and place the container inside in a cabinet.

Decorate with fresh soaps, flowers, bowls, photos, or designer bath items.

Invest in new towels and fold them carefully.

Never leave medicines on display.

Remove all lingerie, bathrobes, slippers, etc., from hooks.

4.   Bedrooms

Bedrooms should appear restful and serene. Sparsely furnished is best.

Use your best covers, or invest in new ones if yours are worn.

Clear off bedside tables, and add back just a few books or nice items.

Bedside lamps add a warm ambience for showings.

Remove excess paintings or photos from the walls.

In some cases, old curtains do more harm than good. Take them down and clean the windows for a fresh look.

Children's bedrooms usually need to be simplified. Take down posters and box up toys. Avoid an overcrowded look.

Never leave jewelry, adult magazines, guns, medications, etc., on display.

5.   Closets

Organize your pantry with everything facing forward. Remove excess food and containers.

Relieve your closets if they are stuffed. Leave only your favorite shoes, pack items that are not needed for this season. Make closets as roomy as possible.

The laundry room often functions as a spill over room with junk on the shelves. Clear everything out, and have just a few soap boxes visible. Paint the laundry area with a bright, happy color. Make sure it is spotless.