CHAPTER 7 The Three D's
DEPERSONALIZED Staging is readying the home to show potential buyers; you must encourage them to visualize living in the home itself, but not in your home. Depersonalizing the home involves removing your personal items, such as photos, trophies, and collectibles. Knickknacks and wall decor are also personal taste items that may distract buyers from seeing the home as theirs. It’s not personal, but no one — besides you — will appreciate your Billie can collection, antique kitchen accessories, overstuffed closets, VHS/CD/DVD/ records collections, and general clutter, except you. Simplify and neutralize your home as if it were a model home, because that’s exactly what it is while it’s on the market. It may seem shallow- but you can have the most updated kitchen and have your collection of VHS tapes out and buyers may walk out feeling that the house is dated!!! Pack and store your treasured items out of sight. Consider monthly rented storage units until your home sells. I ask sellers to "begin with the end in mind" as Stephen Covey said. You are one huge step closer to making your move when you have already packed away or gotten rid of extra things! Make your home a clean, blank, welcoming canvas upon which any buyer can visually paint their own dreams. It will not feel like your home while you show the home, but once you sell and move into your next place, you can decorate that home any way 46
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