When you declutter your home, you might think that you are just tidying up to make it look better. Yes, it does make your home nicer when it is tidy but have you ever thought of the effect clutter has on the sale of your home.
Buyers
Buyers like to walk into a home that is reduced in clutter. First of all, buyers are able to view all the features of a home to its potential.
- Clutter can cause anxiety and claustrophobia for some people
- Overabundance of possessions gives the visual cue that there is a lack of storage to buyers
- Clutter can obscure the size of rooms and buyers cannot visualize their furniture in your home
Sellers
We understand sometimes as sellers it is hard to declutter and may be hard to part with an overabundance of items. However, you may be giving the wrong impression if your home is filled to the brim with possessions.
- Clutter can cause you to lose potential buyers
- Clutter can result in some low-ball offers
- Excess clutter can distract from your home’s best features
- A decluttered home looks larger
Here are other tips our Anne Winch Ottawa Real Estate and Staging Team would suggest to make the decluttering process easier before you sell:
- Not every corner needs to have something in it
- Less is best when it comes to decluttering
- Furniture does not have to be positioned directly against the walls – think furniture grouping
- Don’t jam bookcases – make visual art with a few books, vase, picture frame, etc. at various heights
- Don’t overcrowd – buyers do look into closets and cupboards
- Don’t be afraid to create space even if it is foreign to you
Selling a cluttered home is also harder to do! Appearance is very important in real estate. We understand that clutter can accumulate over the years and it is sometimes hard to part with certain items. We are listening and we can help you understand why both the visual and psychological effect of clutter may have on your potential buyer. Remember first impressions can last a long time – you want yours to be memorable.
We hope these tips can make your journey to selling and staging your home a little easier. If you still are not sure where to start, talk to our Team to get expert advice on staging and selling your home.