For the average seller, keeping your home “show ready” can be a challenge. But, when you add children to that equation, it can feel downright impossible. There are toys, clothes, gear and books to contend with and let’s not forget schedules, like naps and early bedtimes.
But, rest assured, with some careful planning and consideration, it doesn’t have to feel like a dreadful feat. There are some tips that you can employ to make the entire home selling process less stressful for you and your family. Here are some helpful suggestions:
Depersonalize and declutter
Rather than toss toys, stuffed animals and other kid gear into closets or the basement, consider packing these items up and storing them for your eventual move. This will make your spaces feel larger, brighter and uncluttered, and it gives you a head start on your packing. It will also make your home appeal to most buyers, including those with children and those without. But, don’t box up all the toys – have your kids choose a small selection of their favourites, so they can stay entertained between showings.
Stage rooms for their intended purposes
If you have a toy-filled playroom that is better suited as a bedroom or office, consider staging it for its intended purpose so that potential buyers can get a better sense of the layout in your home. After all, people like to imagine themselves living in a house while they tour around. By clarifying the purpose of each room or space, you make it easier for them to feel right at home.
Create tidy-up routines
Getting into the habit of making beds, picking up clothes and putting away toys will make it much easier to whip your home into shape when you get a last-minute call for a showing. If you need more grace, you can also request a notice period before showings (an hour or two), which will allow you and your family ample time to tidy up and head out for the day.
Prepare your children for their upcoming move
Moving can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially for kids. New spaces, new routines, new schools and new neighbours take time to adjust to, so it’s best to prepare them for this eventual change. Allow your children to share their feelings about moving and include them in the home selling process. A great task for even the youngest kiddos is giving them the important job of turning on the lights when leaving for a showing.
Have a to-go kit ready
When a last-minute showing pops up or you have a weekend open house scheduled, it can be hard to know how best to entertain your kids while staying out of the house. If the weather is nice, head to the local park, take a family walk, enjoy a picnic or go on a hike. The library is also a great place to pass the time, as is a midday matinee. Keep a few snacks, toys and books in the car, so you don’t feel the pressure to return home prematurely.
Hire an experienced realtor
With Mississauga’s hot real estate market, many home sellers are choosing to list privately without the help of a realtor to save on costs. However, these savings come with a lot of stress and responsibility, like marketing the home, managing the sales process from beginning to end, showing the home to strangers, fielding offers and negotiating with buyers and their agents. It’s a complex process – one that is very challenging with children underfoot and best left to a professional, like myself.
As a qualified realtor, I work closely with my clients and their young families to help them navigate the competitive real estate market, price their home accordingly, stage and sell quickly – and for top dollar. I also handle all aspects of your home’s real estate marketing initiatives, which means no upfront or additional costs to you.
To learn more about my array of comprehensive home selling services or to schedule a free no obligation home evaluation, please contact me by clicking here. You can also follow along on Facebook where I share additional home buying and selling tips, as well as up-to-the-minute real estate news in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.
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