10 Tips For Living in a For-Sale Home

One of the more exciting aspects of selling a home is the unusual experience of staying in a home that is on the market. During this time, your house won’t feel like your own, so it’s normal if things appear a little strange. You’ll have to leave unexpectedly for showings and ensure your house is always in immaculate condition. It’s a necessary evil that comes with the selling process, but there’s no reason you can’t do a few things here and there to make the process more bearable. That’s why we researched thoroughly and gathered tips to help you survive living in a for-sale home.

10 tips for living in a for sale home

Tips to help you survive living in a for-sale home

Once you’ve decided to sell your home, how do you continue to live there? You’ve always considered your home your safe haven, your one genuine personal place; nevertheless, you’ve decided to find your home’s worth and put it up for sale. This means there will soon be a lot of potential buyers seeing your property which can become very stressful and disrupt your ability to go about your daily life at home. While trying to sell your house, here are ten ways to make life a little less hectic while you still live there.

#1 Start packing even before your home is on the market

In the weeks leading up to listing your property, it’s a good idea to get rid of excess belongings and make storage space more manageable. You should pack up everything you know you won’t need while showing your home and store it temporarily elsewhere. For instance, seasonal wardrobe pieces, kitchen appliances you rarely use, and family photos and memorabilia make the space more neutral.

#2 Declutter

Besides packing things, you don’t need daily, spend some time going through your items and decluttering. Less is always more when packing up your home for a quick sale or relocation. And if you need some extra cash, you can consider organizing a yard sale and selling items you no longer need. It’s not a secret that no one looks forward to packing and decluttering. However, look at it from the bright side – you’ll make moving to your new home much easier. You’ll have to watch movers transfer your packed boxes from a storage unit to a moving van. Oh, and don’t forget to pack an essentials bag for the move and have it ready to go. Staying organized with your belongings will help you prepare for all the other tasks you must deal with.

#3 Find a good spot for your valuables

When you live in a property that is for sale, you should always assume the worst and store away your most precious possessions, documents, and medications. Make room in a safe or lockable drawer to store these goods while your home is on the market. Always carry the key with you, and you won’t have anything to worry about.

#4 Keep your home spotlessly clean

Keeping your home clean during showings is probably one of the first seller tips you get from your real estate agent. The best way is to have your home deep cleaned before having your home photographed. Afterward, all you’ll have to do is maintain the same level of cleanliness. Keeping your home clean is much easier than you think. You can achieve this by doing small things such as taking out the trash more often and washing the dishes right after the meal. It will make your whole experience of living in a for-sale home much nicer.

#5 Invest in slippers

If cleanliness is a priority, it might be frustrating when random people traipse in wearing filthy shoes. That’s why it’s a good idea to provide a basket of slippers by the entrance and place a sign asking visitors to use them. It’s not much to ask, but it can reduce the maintenance your for-sale home needs daily and save you some precious time.

#6 Pack a “to go” bag

If you’re living in a house also for sale, you know how frustrating it can be to pack up and leave at the drop of a hat whenever a potential buyer requests a showing. Keep a bag by the door so you can quickly take what you need and head out. You don’t have to keep everything in your go bag at all times, but you should be aware of what you plan to include and have it ready to use in case of an emergency.

#7 Figure out a solution for your pet(s)

Even though most people love pets, you never know who will come to check out your house. That’s why it’s best to find a different place for them while you have showings. You can either arrange for a reliable dog sitter or neighbor to come and take care of them on those days. Also, don’t overlook your pets’ supplies when organizing your belongings. Be prepared for potential purchasers by setting aside a spot where you can easily hide toys, bowls, and beds away.

#8 Make a prep-list

In the moments before a performance, preparation is key. Your house should be ready to show by this time, but there are a few little touches that can’t hurt here and there. Create a list of everything you want to do to get the house ready for guests. For example, arranging the furniture, opening the drapes and blinds, switching on all the lights, starting a fire in the fireplace, and putting away personal photos. Having a checklist handy can ensure that your home is show-ready at all times.

#9 Always ask for at least two hours notice for showings

You should do all your power to attract customers, but you shouldn’t go crazy. While last-minute requests will always come up, your real estate agent can allow you to request a certain amount of time before showings. You can get a good heads up for any last-minute preparations (and decluttering) you need to do before the potential buyer arrives. Two hours is enough to get everything done but not so long that potential customers lose interest in waiting.

#10 Listen to feedback and implement changes

The longer you’re living in a for-sale home, the more irritating it becomes. That’s because, after a while, you can start to doubt that anyone will be interested in purchasing your home. One strategy for countering such pessimistic thinking is improving your performance. If you do that, you’ll know that potential buyers aren’t being turned off by your home but rather by the fact that the appropriate buyer hasn’t seen it yet. Find constructive ways to respond to every type of criticism you may get. The more suggestions you implement, the more quickly your home will sell.

Final thoughts on living in a for-sale home

Lastly, take a deep breath and relax. Living in a for-sale home is not a walk in the park, but it is necessary if you want to sell your existing residence and get a new one. Plus, it won’t last forever. The sales process can be pretty easy and quick if you reach out to an experienced real estate agent to help you along the way. Meanwhile, the measures mentioned above should assist in alleviating some of the pressure you’re under.

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