For Sellers

Selling a home while living in it can present challenges, especially if you have children. Potential homebuyers with kids may appreciate your special décor in the kids' rooms, but buyers without children may not relate. To attract more buyers, our real estate agents suggest home staging that removes personal touches and allows buyers to see themselves living in the home.

While it might be impossible to create a blank canvas in your kids' rooms, you can follow some staging tips that will interest buyers while they are looking at Lakeway homes for sale.

• Declutter and Organize
  Kids' rooms are usually filled with books, stuffed animals, and toys that cause the space to look cluttered and messy. While older kids may be better at picking up their toys and straightening up their rooms, young kids don't pay much attention to either. Whatever the age of your kids, it's essential to declutter and organize their rooms before you show your home.

• • Organize books and stuffed animals on shelves or bookcases

  • Place school supplies in baskets or colorful containers

  • Buy a toy chest for larger toys and large essentials

  • Store train sets, dolls, and action figures in clear plastic totes

  • Organize clothing in drawers and closets

  • Donate outgrown clothing and toys to a local thrift store

• Remove Theme Elements
  Many kids' rooms feature theme elements that can be overwhelming for potential buyers. Overloading the visual senses with things that don't appeal can send buyers right out of the room. Before you show your home, remove the Little Mermaid switch plates, Fairy Princess light fixtures, or Marvel Comic lampshades. Even if the potential buyers touring your home have kids, those kids might not have the same interests that yours have. If the room is painted with themed murals on the walls, consider painting over them or covering them with artwork or quilts that are less distracting to buyers.
  
  
• De-Personalize the Space
  De-personalizing the space is another way to help buyers see themselves living in your home. Put away personal items in your kids' rooms like family photos, school yearbooks, sports awards and trophies, and personal drawings and artwork. Pack these items in a box or clear container and store them in the garage. A buyer should be focused on the home, not on the people who live in it.
  
  
• Let in the Light
  If you're lucky enough to have several windows in your kids' rooms, open up the draperies or shades and let natural light into the space. Natural light instantly increases warmth and visual appeal in any room. If the room has small windows or no windows at all, consider adding a ceiling chandelier or pendant, wall sconces, or table lamps to increase brightness. Good natural or ambient light in a room makes the space feel larger, less cluttered, and more comfortable for daily activities.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the area, contact us for available properties that fit your lifestyle and financial needs.

You've done your market research. You've made your plans. Now, in the last few months before listing your home, it's time to put in some elbow grease. Prospective buyers want a place that is ready to move in. Get your home ready to list and attract potential buyers with these tips from our real estate agents. 

1. Make necessary repairs 
   Prospective buyers turn away from broken pavers, cracked windows, and leaky plumbing. Every home shows wear and tear, but homeowners don't always notice. Ask your real estate agent to point out any issues they see so that you don't miss anything. Pay attention to little details like burned-out light bulbs and unfilled nail holes in the walls. Take care of warped or leaky gutters and deteriorating fascia. 
   
   
2. Eliminate clutter 
   This doesn't mean disposing of your treasured keepsakes, but it does mean putting them away. Consider renting a storage unit to house personal items such as photographs, trophies, and collections. Make the living space look open and inviting, with plenty of room for the buyer's personal possessions. By packing these things away, you will also be one step closer to moving yourself. Get rid of the things you don't wish to move by donating or tossing. Don't ignore outdoor clutter like lawn tools, bicycles, or free-standing basketball hoops. If you don't have an appropriate place to store them, you may want to consider adding a storage building on the property. 
   
   
3. Paint the interior 
   That accent wall may set off your new couch perfectly, but it may not match the buyer's taste. Beware of trendy decorating ideas that may not be pleasing to more traditional buyers. Light, neutral shades brighten rooms and help the buyer imagine how their own furniture will look. If you take care of this task about a month before listing, the walls will still look fresh, but the paint odor will have dissipated.
   
   
4. Improve curb appeal 
   There are dozens of ways to make the exterior of your home more appealing from the street that cost less than a hundred dollars. The entryway is most welcoming when it is well-lit and clean. A new door, updated light fixtures, outdoor furniture all invite visitors to knock on the door. Planters on either side of the door and bright flowers in the garden make cheerful greetings to a buyer's eyes. A lush green lawn is far more attractive than a brown one. But some fertilizers can create a potent odor that will last for some time. It's a good idea to engage or at least consult with a landscape professional before taking action if you are unsure of your knowledge. Take a look at some Round Rock homes for sale for inspiration.
   
   
5. Deep clean everything 
   Once you have packed away everything you can live without, clean everything carefully. Don't ignore windows and baseboards. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, disinfecting and polishing as you go. Hire professionals to deep clean carpets or any other tasks for which you feel you need help. Appliances should sparkle, and so should floors. Keep in mind that all of these things will need to be done regularly to keep the home ready to show if you are going to stay there during the selling process. 

Contact us early for assistance with getting your home ready for sale, and let us show you some Georgetown homes for sale when you are ready to buy.