Angie's List: Tips For Showing Your Home To Potential Buyers
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The housing market is heating up again, which is great for anyone who's had the "for sale" sign out a while. But with this good news comes the need to be ready to show your house on a moment's notice.
So, Angie's List is offering some tips on how to stage your home.
A lot of us struggle daily to keep our homes ready for unexpected guests, and listing your house means being ready for inspection 24/7.
"When selling your home, you want to just live a little tidier during that phase of your life because you might have to show your home on a moment's notice and want to be able to clean up quick and be out of the house," says Angie Hicks, the founder of Angie's List.
"We want it to feel like - when a buyer walks in - there's nothing to do. There's no bills to pay, there's no dishes to wash, there's no floors to clean… nothing," said real estate agent Gavin Frost.
There's no shame in gathering up the clutter and taking it with you.
"Grab an empty laundry basket or a hamper. Start throwing everything in there. We're talking dirty clothes, toys, the daily clutter, all that stuff. We want to put it in there and work our way through the house. That is going to go into your car when you leave," said Frost.
Some areas need more than a quick pick-up. Your kitchen and bathrooms need to shine.
"No water left over from your morning shower because we don't want to be thinking about that," said Frost. "Make sure that the lid on the toilet is shut. It's a good rule across the board - all lids on everything in the house should be shut. Then, the sink - same deal. Wipe it out real quick and then put out some fresh towels."
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
It's great if you love your pet, but consider the buyer who may be allergic. Take your pet and all evidence, including toys and litterbox, away before the showing.
"Don't forget the little things when showing your house. Things like fresh flowers or live plants can really warm up your home and make it very inviting," added Hicks.
The goal is to make buyers comfortable, making them feel "at home."
"When you walk around, you feel invited into this home. If you can match that as close as possible to your own home, you'll be nailing it," said Frost.
Hicks recommends storing away family photos and other personal nick-knacks, and removing about half the items in your closets to make them look roomier. She also suggests hiring a pro.
Homes that are staged spend 70 percent less time on the market.
