Divorce and Getting the House Ready for Sale
Divorce and selling your house – two of the top 10 stressors in life! Going through a divorce will often leave you mentally and emotionally drained.
So, here are some quick “no-brainer” tips on getting your house ready for sale.
Glenn Szabo
of Century 21 Executives Realty in Vernon says, “
Some of these are so subtle that even the sales agents aren’t aware of the logic
.”
1. Disassociate yourself from your home
Tell yourself, “ This is just a house; it is no longer my home. ” Mentally “let go” of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
2. Clutter and making a closet organization system
Look organized . After all, that is the same desire that every prospect will have as they look for their next dream home. Make your storage area look great by using simple custom shelving, hangers, and bins. Go one step further and organize clothes by type and color for added impact.
3. Homey and welcoming
First impressions are so important . When prospects arrive at your curb, what do they see? A simple new doormat and a good scrubbing of your front door do wonders to improve the “walk up” appeal. If you have time, repaint the door and trim, and while you’re at it, add some new house numbers and a new porch light.
4. Lighting – setting the mood
Capture a warm, cozy feeling by using soft and lower wattage bulbs. This also helps hide any imperfections of the rooms. Rather than crystal bright bulbs, look for those that emit yellow-toned and red-toned hues.
5. Make sure your windows are clean
If you can’t do it yourself, it’s worth having the windows professionallywashed – both inside and out . This is one area where the prospective buyers will definitely notice if it is not done. This helps even on gloomy, grey days because clean windows allow more light in and tend to make the rooms sparkle.
6. Your furniture
You have probably heard of “staging” in preparation for sale. Empty rooms show poorly and they can give the buyer the critical sign that this is a divorce situation. They then try to low ball your asking price. “Stage” a spare bedroom with a make shift bed and bed frame with matching comforter, and create other room arrangements by placing matching, inexpensive slipcovers over items that clash with each other.
7. Bigger space through illusion
The high appearance of ceilings can be achieved by hanging floor length curtains above your windows. You can also make your floor look bigger by using a striped rug. For bathrooms, use clear shower curtains.
8. Smarten up your laundry area
Even though it may be nothing more than a little corner of your basement, make your laundry area look bright and welcoming . You can add a folding surface, some baskets for storage, retractable wall attachments for hangars, and a designer element like a fun rug and/or temporary wallpaper.
9. Using scents
Here’s another old trick: fresh, baked bread or cookies . What more could a prospective buyer wish for as they walk into your warm and homey house? You might also add soothing, spa-like scents such as vanilla and lavender in bathrooms and bedrooms. Even the old 60’s scents of musk oil, patchouli and sandalwood have been rediscovered – but go easy on these.
10. Tidy up the garage
This should go unsaid, but show buyers that the garage is more than just a place to park your car . Sweep and/or wash the floor, install some inexpensive wire shelving, and create a workshop area in one corner
11. Beware of snoopers
Prospects will look in your closets, under your sinks, open your fridge, and peek in your medicine cabinets. Nothing is sacred and you should be prepared for these types of intrusions into your privacy . Make your mother proud of how clean these areas are.
Unfortunately, a divorce splits a home and shatters the dreams upon which your memories played out. As said above, dealing with the house can be emotionally and mentally draining because we all become emotionally attached to our homes, and when forced to sell under divorce conditions, it makes it even more difficult.
We hope you get your selling price but more importantly, we hope you find peace and happiness.
On the Doorstep of Divorce, or do you need help in Rebuilding After Divorce?
Give us a call at
250.707.0928
, or
request a consultation.
About Kelowna Divorce Mediation Services
We are not expensive lawyers; we are family divorce mediators and rebuilding coaches . Our boutique divorce mediation firm has become Kelowna’s first choice when dealing with separation and divorce, and beyond. It is possible to reduce stress , time and conflict . Our mediation and rebuilding models educate and empower our clients, so that when you leave you have a document that will stand the test of time, and a process for rebuilding your life.
