Closet Clutter

Have you ever had guests show up unannounced? Did you ever employ a family member to lure them to the back yard deck while you frantically shoved things in closets?

It may have worked then. It doesn't work when buyers are coming through your home. As distasteful and intrusive as it may seem to you, buyers want to know what they're getting into--and that includes the walk-in closets, the children's closets with tennis shoes marching all over each other in muddy disarray, and the entirety of your basement or garage. Have a tool shed or wood shed? They'll find it, too. Think your "junk drawer" in the kitchen is safe? Don't chance it! Will they bother opening a few kitchen cabinets or pantry doors? You betcha.

Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions. Before you put your house on the market, clean up the clutter! As you'll likely be moving soon, your pre-market period is a perfect time to gather the "unwanteds" in boxes for charitable organizations and the "what in the world did we keep this for?" items into large garbage bags. Box up anything you can live without for the next few months and pack it off to a storage locker. Sparsely furnished rooms and well-organized closets and drawers give the impression of spaciousness and a well-maintained home.

Need more tips on how to prepare your home for showings? Call me and ask for a copy of Showing Tips for Sellers.