By Katie Wainman | July 14, 2020

When you put your home on the market, you are preparing yourself for a new phase of life. This means it is time to pack up your personal belongings and create an environment that is welcoming to potential buyers.

When people think of staging a home, they often think about what needs to be added to it. However, sometimes it is more important to think about what needs to be taken away. No buyer wants to step into a home and not be able to imagine it being their own. Here are five things that have to go before you show your home:

1. Displayed Collectibles

Collections can be really cool and maybe people love to see your. vinyl records or coin display when you have a dinner party. Nevertheless, when you are showing your home to sell, potential buyers do not want to feel as if they are imposing on your space. Aside from that, collectibles can also be a distraction to buyers. Do you want a buyer to be looking at the beautiful high ceilings, or do you want them to be looking at the collection of action figures?

2. Family Portraits

Nothing can block a potential buyer from envisioning a home as their own than walking in and seeing someone elses' family on the walls. We understand it can be emotionally difficult to take family photos down, but it is necessary if you want your home to sell.

3. Religious and Political Decor

These items are usually fine to have on display in your own home, but this is not going to be your home anymore. People from all walks-of-life are going to be stepping into this house to consider buying it. Do not let a sale fall through because you kept a political banner staked in the front lawn.

4. Personal Items

Trophies, refrigerator magnets, diplomas and pretty much everything else that scream, "I live here", should be packed away. Again, you are moving on to a new chapter in life. These items no longer have a need to be on display in the house.

5. Pets

This one really hurts us to say, but you should find other arrangements for your pets during home showing. Somehow, not everyone loves your fur babies or reptile friends, and they can actually be unappealing to buyers. Not only should your pet not be at the showing, but you should also hide any evidence of having a pet. This includes litter boxes, food bowls, toys, tanks, cages, etc. If a buyer sees remnants of a pet, they might start to wonder if any damage has been caused to the home because of the animal.

Looking for more advice during the buying/selling process? Visit https://www.realestateinbowlinggreen.com/blog/category/company-news for more real estate tips and tricks!