10 things nobody wants to tell you when selling your home...

by Christina Sparks

As sellers, we sometimes are so used to our own space, that we don't realize how our home comes across to others. Make sure you are not making any of these seller faux pas.

1. Your house smells bad.

Your house needs to smell clean, so do everything you can to make that happen before you list.

2. Your pets have ruined things.

Clean up & repair any pet damage and do your best to keep signs of pets minimal while your house is for sale.

3. Your clutter stresses people out.

Clean it up. Get rid of it. Box it up. Put it away. Out of sight, out of mind.

4. No-one wants to imagine you using the bathroom.

Clear out all signs of life, get it really clean and leave out just a few styled decorations on the counter.

5. Your messy closet makes people feel overwhelmed.

Remove as much as you can (seasonal clothes can be packed away, time to donate things you’ve been meaning to, etc), line up clothes by color, keep shelves neat and clear the floor completely.

6. Being in your personal spaces is uncomfortable for people.

Make your most personal spaces as neutral and comfortable for strangers as possible.

7. Your messy yard makes people think you don’t take care of your house.

Tidy the yard fully to make a great first impression and set the tone for how you care for your home, inside and out.

8. The kids toys and little things being all over makes people want to tidy your house up.

It’s worth your time to reduce the amount of kids’ toys and clutter you have out and visible when you house is listed.

9. Your dirty laundry are gross to people.

Put your laundry away in closets or baskets with some kind of cover.

10. All people really want is a clean slate.

You want to have people come to your home, feel great while they are there, fall in love with the idea of living there themselves and, ultimately, make an offer to purchase your home.