3. View every room for the amount of natural and artificial light. Take steps to add light, clean windows and open up window treatments. 4. Evaluate your paint colors (neutral is best), busy wallpaper patterns and any structural damage. Hire professionals to make improvements in these areas. 5. Thoroughly clean everything. Cobwebs, skylights, windows, brick work, baseboards, flooring, carpets, corners of appliances, etc. 6. Declutter rooms by removing extra furniture, old storage items, electronics, collectibles and other items that create a “cluttered” feeling. Hold an estate sale to optimize the value of your possessions and offset other costs. 7. Don’t fill your storage spacesto help clear out other rooms. Buyers want to know how much space is available. 8. Depersonalize. Taking down refrigerator magnets, family photos and religious items may be emotionally difficult, but your ultimate objective is to allow potential buyers to imagine their life filling the space, not yours. Later- Life Transitions When older adults have decided to downsize or move to a senior living community after living in the same home for several years, it is recommended the client choose their furnishings and items for their new residence first, then move. The house should only be staged and placed on the market after they have moved. This gives the client a chance to settle into their new home while still having the opportunity to downsize their family home and get it ready for sale. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 50%of older homes require repair and will require additional work prior to sale. Relocations later in life are stressful, and trying to repair and stage a home while the client is still living there often adds to feelings of discomfort, confusion and anxiety. Of course, it is not always financially possible to move before the family home is sold. In those instances, changesto a house may need to be made slowly. The client’s ability to navigate change, while feeling safe and comfortable should be monitored throughout the home staging process. Preparing a house for market is a big event, as we work with clients, realtors or home stagers on decluttering or downsizing projects, we always focus on maintaining environments that help reduce stress while helping everyone achieve their objective – a quick sale at a great price. About Caring Transitions As life changes, it may become necessary to leave a familiar home and part with personal belongings in order to downsize and relocate to a smaller home or retirement community. At Caring Transitions, we help our clients understand the process, evaluate their options and make informed decisions that suit their best interests. We are committed to making each client’s experience positive by minimizing stress and maximizing results.
Visit us online at www.CaringTransitions.net Call Caring Transitions for a Consultation – (800) 647-0766 Cincinnati, OH 45242
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