As a licensed professional Realtor it’s my responsibility to get your home sold for top dollar as fast as possible. Before I put any home on the MLS it needs to be ready to WOW! But how? It has to be camera ready. We can’t list your home on the MLS without high quality, well laid photos that will stun buyers on any home search app. Homes that sell high and fast, photograph like a dream and they’re #1 on a buyer’s and agent’s must see list. That happens when your house is clean, organized, looks (or is) staged, and immaculately impressive to the vast majority of home buyers and brokers who will walk through those doors. To get your home in listing shape, follow these guidelines:

1. DECLUTTER– You’re moving anyway and I guarantee there are items and large pieces not making the trip with you; and plenty of stuff you haven’t used in quite some time. Toss it, recycle it, donate it, sell it, whatever. Get rid of it first! Immediately you will have more space to utilize in drawers and cabinets, and out of view of buyers. Maybe you just cleared up valuable square footage! Buyers like that. A LOT.

Downsize everything and anything in boxes, bins, closets, garage, pantry and kitchen shelves (look up high), on the walls, on the counters, you get the idea. Start with what you see visually. Buyers see it too. Do you want them to see your disaster of a walk in, or playroom, or bathroom? Buyers also check linen closets and hall cabinets to get a feel for adequate storage.  Can they see it right now? Whatever Marie Kondo, Home Edit, HGTV method works for you, it’s time to cut the clutter.

2. ORGANIZE– Once you have decluttered every room, it is now time to organize what’s left. This is an optimal time to also have some boxes and bins ready to pack for items you won’t be using for a while. If it’s summer, pack all the winter bedding and coats. If it’s winter, pack up the summer wardrobe you won’t be needing for some time. Organize everything how you will pack some of it and the rest how you will put it back much neater. My next blog will be all about hacks and tips to fold, cleam, and keep pristine while your home is on the market; even if you’re living it until close of escrow.

As you organize, sort, and begin packing for the move, you will undoubtedly come across even more items too: old papers, clothes, almost empty bottles to discard or use up and get out of the way, etc. You will find plenty of things you haven’t seen since last year and rarely used. It’s another opportunity to send for donations or pile up on trash day.

As you’re further packing and putting the rest back properly, how on earth do you keep it all neat during this transition of sale and ownership? Keep reading!

3. Put it back efficiently! How? Let me show you…