Selling

5 Tips For Parents Who Want to Make a Low-Stress Home Sale

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Are you gearing up to sell your home? Do you have children? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, you could be in for some stress. From keeping the messes at bay to hustling everyone out of the house for unscheduled showings, balancing family life with real estate goals isn’t for the faint of heart. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier on everyone. With a bit of planning, you can pave the way for a successful sale—without sacrificing your sanity.

If you have kids and you’re about to put your home on the market, consider taking these five steps…

1) Discuss the move honestly

Change can be difficult for children, especially during the school year. But no matter when you’re planning to move, the time to tell your kids is now. Speaking openly about upcoming events and timelines will give your youngsters some time to mentally prepare. Be aware that they might not accept what you have to say right away, and let them know you’re available whenever they’re ready to talk.

2) Work with professional cleaners

It’s unavoidable: kids create messes. While you may be able to take care of all of the spills and smudges on a normal day, tackling them when your home is on the market is something different altogether. The truth is, cleanliness matters—and you only get one chance to make a first impression on buyers. To ensure that your property is show-ready, consider working with a professional cleaning company. Some real estate teams have preferred cleaners who they work with, so don’t hesitate to ask when you’re interviewing agents!

3) Go out more often

Strong food smells aren’t always the most pleasant thing in the world, especially when you’re trying to imagine a living space as your own. That’s why it’s a good idea to eat at restaurants as much as possible while your home is being shown. At the very least, consider cooking meals that don’t produce pungent odours. In general, the less lived-in your home is when buyers are looking at it, the better. For this reason, you might even want to think about renting an Airbnb or hotel room until your property is sold.

4) Stage for your ideal buyer

If you’re marketing your home to families, it should be reflected in your staging. It goes without saying that your kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and even your master bedroom should feel both stylish and inviting. What you may not know is that the kids’ bedrooms should be every bit as impressive. Fortunately, the right design professional will know how to prep every inch of your living space—including those where your little ones spend their time.

5) Be prepared to leave

Some families advise their real estate agents that they require 24 hours’ notice before a showing. While this request may cut down on your stress, it can also reduce your opportunities to find a buyer. Your best bet is to be prepared to take the kids out of the house if your agent calls. Pack a bag of family essentials (like juice boxes, sweaters, and favourite toys) and keep it close at hand. You should also plan out where you’ll go, whether it’s a relative’s house or a nearby restaurant.

Getting ready to sell your home? Get in touch—we know what buyers are looking for, and we can help you get your home in tip-top shape!