If you’re in the market to sell your home but are concerned about your family’s health and safety, you are not alone. Many sellers have chosen to wait until the end of the coronavirus pandemic to put their homes on the market. Unfortunately for them, this may not be the best strategy. Buyers are nervous, but the ones that are looking are more likely to be serious about making their own move. Here are some ways to make your house stand out while providing safe and effective options for buyers.
Photos and videos sell.
It’s important that you first remember that most buyers start their home search on the internet. In normal circumstances, they would see a few photos, read the specs, and contact their agent for showing. Things are a bit different now, and video chat tours and virtual walk-throughs are often next on the list.
Keep this in mind as you get ready for listing photos and videos. You’ll want to start by cleaning from top to bottom, but more on that later. Another important factor to consider is lighting. Natural light is almost always best, particularly as it pertains to showcasing your home in the most realistic way possible.
Your Realtor may suggest a video walk-through. If you are uncomfortable having a stranger into your house to do this, keep in mind that your smartphone can likely record and playback excellent video. Get More Shots does suggest, however, to use a camera stabilizer to ensure smooth video. You’ll also want to add calming music to the final product.
Photos and video alike look better in a properly staged home. This is another area where you can hire an expert, but you can also handle staging on your own. Make any needed repairs, neutralize your decor, and remove surplus furniture that does not perfectly fit your space. For inspiration, you can look online for before and after photos. Don’t shy away from accessories, and also don’t be afraid to utilize neutral paint throughout your home. These will accentuate and allow your potential buyers to envision their belongings in your space, respectively. Hiring a virtual staging company is also an option.
Cleanliness counts.
We mentioned cleaning your house above, but it’s worth noting that clean when you have your home on the market means something entirely different than when it’s not. Your home must be virtually spotless to make a positive impression on buyers, whether they are looking through video or are engaging in a 3-D walkthrough with their agent. And if your buyer chooses to come on site for a final viewing before making an offer, they will want to know that your home is clean and sanitized.
If you’ve found it difficult to find commercial cleaners at the grocery store, don’t panic. You can actually make many out of items that you already have, which will serve the dual purpose of reducing your, your children, and your pets exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. Glass cleaner, for example, can be made with white vinegar, dish soap, and water. Make sure to get the kids involved, and, as Smart Stop Self-Storage suggests, be specific about the chores you expect them to do. If possible, allow young children to clean by color-coding their toys and belongings, which will feel more like a game than work.
Protect your home office.
When you work from home, particularly if you work in finance, medicine, or security, you’ll need to secure your home office. While it must be open for viewing, it should be clean and organized. Put sensitive documents in a lock box, and protect yours and your clients’ personal information by blocking access to your computer, which starts with ensuring you have a strong password.
Not all buyers will want to come onto your property, but even those that choose to view remotely will appreciate the efforts you’ve put into making their future house a home. Remember these tips, and you can get through the selling process without putting yourself, your buyers, or your family in any unnecessary danger.