10 Things to Remove from Your Home when you list.

Blog Post Image
Selling

10 Things to Remove from Your Home When Listing for Sale

One of the most common questions from home sellers is, "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 to buy the house.  Nothing is new, but in this complicated age of security challenges, safety reasons exist as a reason to remove your items before showings. 

10 Things to Remove:

1. Excess Furniture - Consider removing extra chairs, ottomans, side tables, and anything unnecessary. 

2. Family Photos - You do not know who is coming through your home; protect your family by removing any identifiable pictures, awards, certificates, etc.

3. Religious Art/Collectables - Some people may be offended by these items.  Better to avoid issues. 

4. Laptops and Cell Phones - Anything easily picked up and removed should be safely stowed.

5. Jewelry - Anything of value should be secured out of sight.

6. Important Files and Papers - Hide any papers with banking or social security numbers that can be used for fraud.

7. Firearms and other weapons - Protect yourself and others by securing firearms and any additional weapons such as daggers, swords, or knives, that may be collectibles. 

8. Clutter - Nothing new here; keep the home clean.

9. Half of all decor - Consider removing about half of any decorative items such as pillows, vases, books, etc.  Homes that present more as a hotel room present to the buyer better. 

10.  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 house for their lives but protect yourself and your family as well.