So you have already deep cleaned, de-cluttered, re-arranged furniture and you feel your South Lake Tahoe real estate is market ready! But is it? Before you go to market, there are certain house hold items you are used to seeing everyday, but others may not. Putting some of these items away are for their benefit, but some are for your own. When buyers tour homes for sale in South Lake Tahoe, they notice every little detail about the house, beyond square footage and whether or not it fits their criteria. If you are selling this year, take the extra steps to make sure you secure these items before allowing a showing.
Documents & Mail
Anything that has sensitive information or has your name and mailing address probably should be locked away. Believe it or not, not everybody touring homes for sale in South Lake Tahoe have your best interest at heart. Bank statements, credit card bills, mail with your full name and personal documents are best kept out of site and out not easily accessible.
Pets
Also, not everyone loves pets. If you have a dog, cat, pet snake, rat, bird, etc. lock them up during the showing and specifically detail their location so a potential buyer doesn’t walk into an allergic reaction or their worst fear. The goal is to get buyers to leave South Lake Tahoe homes for sale in a good mood, not freaked out.
Politics
We are living in such a sensitive and tense political climate right now. If you have to sell, perhaps take down the overly political art work or signs. This makes your home welcoming to everyone and prevents turning away otherwise great buyers.
Medications
This goes back to the point that not every person walking through homes for sale in South Lake Tahoe have your best interest at heart. If you have any kind of medications, lock them away during showings and open houses.
Food
Yes. Some buyers will walk into South Lake Tahoe homes for sale and help themselves to a snack. As we all work hard and some have to spend more on food due to a big household, allergies and special diets, coming home to see food missing isn’t the best feeling. No one likes it when their college roomy does it, so having a complete stranger do it can feel violating. There are ways you can prevent this. One is organizing your fridge and your cupboards. If it looks super messy, a snacker may feel like you won’t notice. If it is clean and tidy, they may hold off as missing snacks will be more noticeable. Leave a tray of fresh cookies on the counter or a basket of grab to go snacks with a sign that says “take one” next to the property flyers. This should curb their appetite.
Other items to consider hiding out of site are anything that suggests there is something wrong with the home. Everyday items like fans or space heaters that could be used specifically for white noise could suggest the temperature of the home is either too hot or too cold. Ear plugs on the night stand and a baseball bat with more than necessary locks on the door suggest the neighborhood could be loud or sketchy after hours. Oh and that ash tray outside? Put it away. Any signs of smoking near/or in the house is a major turn off. As always, discuss with your South Lake Tahoe realtor what needs to be done to make your home perfect for tours and open houses. Selling in 2018? Let me know-I would be happy to help!
