Wow, lately everyone speculates about the housing market, it seems that there are experts everywhere – radio, TV, neighbor, mother-in-law…When I sold my house, everyone gave me tips on how to “sell” it at warped speed.

 

With a husband and a two-year old, I had my work cut out for me. No matter how much space I thought I had, I began to notice my “hiding” spaces were full! Yes, the stove, the dishwasher and the refrigerator all made for great quick hiding spaces, but I needed a place to hid the infamously huge and colorful kids toys!

 

After living through the experience, after the tears and the stress, I remember a few things people told me. Yes, I know it is common sense, but I needed to hear it again.

 

  1. It’s just a “house”. It is not a “home” to people looking at it. Don’t take feedback personally. While my daughter loves her pink room, the new family’s little boy may not.
  2. Clean, Clean, Clean. Most people will appreciate a clean house. They will think, if I take care of the small things, I probably take care of the big things.
  3. DECLUTTER! Unless you are living in a 6000 square foot home, make your home look spacious. Furniture should be moved to the corners and walls, create flow patterns and space! The garage or the basement makes a perfect home for your husband’s huge recliner in the Living Room!
  4. Make sure your price is right, make an unemotional decision regarding the actual market price and not what you need or want to get out of it. Really look at the market to determine actual value!
  5. Be Patient. While this was the most stressful aspect for me, I realize it only takes one family to fall in love with my home. While it felt like forever, I am very happy the experience is over!

Selling a house is hard work, the Saturday 7:00 am showings, or the surprise 6:50 pm showing call right after I put the baby in the bathtub! I never turned down a showing no matter how much it inconvenienced me. It paid off, we sold our house to a woman who requested a no-notice showing in the evening. Her and her family fell in love with the house!