Selling your home can be a challenging process, particularly when you want to sell it fast and at a good price. According to recent stats, a home in the US took an average of 58.2 days from listing to closing as of June 2024. The actual time depends on several factors, including the location, age and condition of the property, and the current market prices. That seems like a lot of time for someone in a hurry.
Home staging and marketing are some viable steps to speed up the process without settling for less. You can also consider depersonalizing your space to attract potential buyers. While everyone loves to personalize their spaces, it can actually become a hindrance once you want to sell.
Depersonalization is essential as it enables buyers to envision themselves living in the home rather than feeling like they are intruding on someone else’s private space. In this article, we will share some effective steps to depersonalize your home to make it sale-ready.
Declutter and Organize
ClickOnDetroit highlights the extent of the clutter problem in America as it steals space, time, and money. Nearly 11% of homeowners in the country rent extra space to store the additional stuff they own. The average cost of these rental self-storage units taken by them is $85.15 per month.
A cluttered home can also hurt your selling prospects as it makes spaces feel smaller and less inviting. When it comes to depersonalizing, begin by decluttering each room. Keep the process simple and easy. Focus on removing excess items that do not add to the overall appeal of the house.
Clear out closets, cabinets, and surfaces to showcase available space and storage. You can also rent a storage unit for items you want to retain for the long haul but don’t need immediately. This helps with depersonalization and makes moving easier later on.
Remove Personal Photos and Items
Once you get all the clutter out of the way, it is time to remove your footprint from your space. Many homeowners display personal photos on a gallery wall or around the house. To depersonalize, take down family photos and personal memorabilia. Consider packing away your personal stuff until after the sale.
While these items may be of great sentimental value to the current occupants, they can easily distract potential buyers from imagining their own lives in the space. The idea is to create a neutral environment that allows buyers to visualize their own memories in the new home they plan to buy.
Neutralize the Decor
Neutralizing your decor is a good way to depersonalize your space. It creates appeal to a broader audience and enhances the market value of your property. A neutral decor begins with soft hues for the wall. Colors like soft grays or beiges create a calming atmosphere.
You can also play with neutral colors for your furniture and accessories. Replace bold artwork with generic pieces that enhance the aesthetic appeal without imposing your personal style. The goal of neutralizing your decor is to create a blank canvas where buyers can imagine their own decor for the place.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere
While depersonalization is important when it comes to selling, you still want your home to feel warm and inviting. A cozy space can make a great first impression on the visitors, giving you better chances to sell. Don’t go overboard with neutralizing as it can make your living space appeal stark and dull.
After eliminating personal items, add neutral accessories such as fresh flowers, tasteful throw pillows, or light area rugs. These small touches make potential buyers feel more at home while still allowing them to envision their own style. Place these items strategically where they catch attention without being too loud.
Consider Selling for Cash
Depersonalizing your space may seem like considerable work and expense. For example, Real Simple notes that a fresh coat of paint for one room can cost between $150 and $2,000. The average cost of home interior painting in the US is $1,997 as of 2024. Even if you take a DIY approach, you may end up buying material worth hundreds of dollars. Also, you may not have enough time and energy for the project.
Selling for cash is a good alternative if you want a quick and simple selling process without going through the conventional formalities. The best part is that the process closes in a fraction of the time. Suppose you are in the Bay Area where home selling may take 30-60 days. However, according to John Buys Bay Area Houses, you can get an offer within only 7 minutes by contacting a cash buyer.
While the offer may be a bit lower than the market price, you may end up saving on staging costs and realtor fees. Moreover, these buyers take properties in the condition they are. This means you don’t have to spend even a dollar on depersonalizing your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I depersonalize my home?
No one wants to buy a home that looks like someone else’s zone. As a seller, you must personalize your house enough to ensure that potential buyers can see themselves as owners. The best way to do it is by removing items like family photos, memorabilia, and any decor that reflects your personal tastes. As a rule, remove at least 50% of your personal belongings before showings.
Will depersonalizing my home make it feel uninviting?
Depersonalizing is not about stripping your home of its charm and warmth. You can still ensure that it is warm and inviting for potential buyers who visit it. The atmosphere should be neutral yet inviting. You can do it by adding subtle decor elements like fresh flowers or soft textiles.
Should I hire a professional stager?
Hiring a professional stager can help if you are not sure about how to effectively depersonalize or stage your home. Professional stagers have expertise in creating appealing environments that can charm potential buyers. At the same time, they know how to highlight the home’s best features.
Depersonalizing your home can be the key to expediting the selling process. After all, a buyer should feel that it can be their home where they can create memories with their loved ones. If these steps seem like a lot of work, you can look for a cash buyer to close the deal effortlessly.
