10 Things to Remove from Your Home When Listing for Sale

One of the most common questions from home sellers is, “do I really need to put my family pictures away”? The short answer is “yes,” but maybe not for the reasons you assume. The general principle is that buyers need to be able to visualize their own lives in the home in order to buy the house. There is nothing new about this, but in this complicated age of security challenges, there are also safety reasons to remove your items before showings.

10 Things to Remove

1. Excess Furniture – Consider removing extra chairs, ottomans, side tables, etc., anything unnecessary.

2. Family Photos – You do not know who is coming through your home; protect your family by removing any identifiable pictures, awards, certificates, etc.

3. Religious Art/Collectables – Some people may be offended by these kinds of items. Better to avoid issues.

4. Laptops and Cell Phones – Anything easily picked up and removed should be safely stowed.

5. Jewelry – Again, anything of value should be secured out of sight.

6. Important Files and Papers – Hide any papers that may have banking or social security numbers that can be used for fraudulent purposes.

7. Firearms – Protect yourself and others by securing any firearms.

8. Clutter – Nothing new here, keep the home clean.

9. Half of All Décor – Think about removing about half of any decorative items such as pillows, vases, books, etc.

10.Pets – Keep your pets safe and away from visitors.

If you’re ready to start showing your home, taking a little time to depersonalize can not only help your buyers see the potential of the home for their lives, but protect yourself and your family as well.

The real estate industry is in for a wild ride over the next year, according to the Realtor.com's 2023 Housing Market Predications Report. This forecast predicts an overall positive outlook with ongoing growth, but it also acknowledges that several regional markets are more volatile than others and may not experience consistent gains.  The market will be 'shifting' and buyers should try not to be too worried with the economy.

The report notes that there are some headwinds to sustained growth, particularly in regions affected by the pandemic and its economic fallout. Tightening credit conditions, an already low inventory of homes for sale, and historically high lumber costs may all put pressure on affordability and slow the housing market's progress. The good news is that many markets have been resilient and there are signs of optimism as the economy recovers. Realtor.com expects that home prices and sales activity will continue to rise in most markets, albeit at a slower pace. Affordability is projected to remain a challenge for some buyers, however, as potential buyers may have difficulty securing financing. The report also predicts an increase in rental activity over the next year as renters take advantage of more affordable housing options and the flexibility that comes with not having to commit to a longer-term mortgage agreement. This could spell good news for investors looking to capitalize on these shifting trends.

Overall, the 2023 National Housing Forecast predicts a continued rise in housing prices, though certain regional markets may be more volatile than others. It also forecasts an increase in rental activity as renters take advantage of the flexibility that comes with renting. All of this suggests a vibrant and dynamic real estate market going into 2023, so it’s important to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest trends.

No matter where you are in your real estate journey, it’s important to stay abreast of the fluctuating market conditions. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re making informed decisions and leveraging the best opportunities available to you. With a comprehensive understanding of the current market conditions and the changing trends, you can make sure that you’re making the most of your investments and positioning yourself for success.

More is Everything A common regret around taking down the holiday decorations is how bare the home looks suddenly. Fortunately for anyone ready to upgrade their design in 2023, new trends are offering more comfort and coziness than we’ve seen lately. For the past few years, home designers have created a blend of minimalism and simplicity in their home styles. This style involves removing anything from the space that is not necessary for function or lifestyle. The common phrase, “does it spark joy,” is a new mantra for homeowners hoping to eliminate clutter from their homes. As we are now almost to Spring, this mindset has been thrown out the window.

Maximalism is the new theme. Color and patterns, textures, and excess have replaced the sleek lines and neutral colors of minimalist design. Home décor trends now invite the consumer to play with bold colors and contrasting patterns and shapes. Almost anything goes. It’s important to note that this is not an invitation for clutter. A perusal of home magazines and design books emphasizing the latest “boho” style, clearly shows a method to the design. The furnishings are functional and comfortable. Color palettes are curated for harmony and mood. While this is a great time to experiment, to avoid creating a hodge-podge of design, thought is more important than ever.

2023 is in full swing and with it a fresh approach to décor. Forget the minimalist style of the past and embrace maximalism; with all the print, color, and excitement it brings to the home.