5 Steps Every House Seller Can Take to Make the Process Less Stressful

5 Steps Every House Seller Can Take to Make the Process Less Stressful While Living in their House

Living in your house that's for sale can feel a little weird. All of your personal pictures are gone, you've staged the home and removed furniture you're used to using, you're keeping it in perfectly clean and ready to show....it just doesn't feel like home anymore. Here are five things that you can do to make 

Pack Up Everything Before You Go On Market

Think of off season clothes, unused kitchen utensils, and all of the stuff you stuff into that one closet. You can also ask a friend or family member if you could keep some things that their house. You could also rent a storage unit.

The goal is to get everything out of your house before showings start so you're not overwhelmed at the last minute. 

While you're at it, go through your belongings and create donate and recycle piles. Less is always more when it comes to moving and staging your home. While you're packing, it's a good time to go through your belongings and get rid of your clutter. This includes your fridge and pantry. Believe it or not, buyers to look there.

Look into a local food bank where you can drop off all your unopened and un-expired food too.  

Find a Place for Safekeeping your Valuables

Your valuables are best kept in a safe or a lockable drawer. You'll also want to make sure there are no house keys in your house. Either keep them in your wallet or put them on a key ring and bring them with you when you leave the house for showings. You'll have more peace of mind knowing that your valuables won't go missing. 

Pack a Go Bag

It can be stressful leaving the house for a showing - especially on short notice. Having an out-of-the-house essential bag makes things much easier. 

Pack things like snacks, water, books, games, and iPad - anything to keep yourself and your kids entertained. If you don't have a car charger for your phone, now is a time to get one. 

Make a Show-Prep Checklist

These are thing you'll want to take care of right before a showing. The house should already be staged to sell by now. However, there are a few things you can do to add to your home. 

- Open all the blinds and turn the lights on.

- Hide personal items like pictures of loved ones.

Your home should be a blank slate, allowing the potential buyer to picture themselves living there versus seeing it as a home that someone else lives in. 

Request 2 Hours Notice Before Showings

This is always up to you as the seller, and it depends on your living situation. If you're able to keep your house clean and show ready all the time, a two hour notice may work for you.

The Tosello Team recommends at least 2 hours notice, but it's also reasonable to request 4 hours. This way you complete your home show prep checklist.