BLOG: COVID-19 EDITION | ORGANIZATION TIPS | 23 of April 2020
BLOG: COVID-19 EDITION | COMMUNITY | 23 of April 2020
We all continue to adapt…
Every day we are learning new ways to remain healthy and safe taking the necessary precautions during these uncertain times all while rediscovering new ways of working and cleaning. The list goes on and on especially getting creative within our homes too has become a global sensation.
While we also continue to be concerned for our finances and many unfortunately are being affected drastically, however, on a positive note, it is said that our daily surroundings affect our wellbeing and during this slow down is it crucial to rediscover our homes no matter how big or small it is. Most of us finally have some time to check off the “to-do lists” finding places for practically everything from a drawer to garages and suddenly many of us are becoming gurus in “Do-It-Yourself” projects. Who can relate?
Last week, I shared a video on a market update but let’s say you are not sure where to even begin to make your house more appealing to a buyer? Besides the right price and excellent service and online presence, here are a few tips from my personal experience the last seventeen years on the importance of different ways to prepare your house once you are ready – it’s all about clearing out!
1) Good Presentation and staging. This is essential especially for pictures and virtual tours to take a look at your house and see it with the eyes of a broad range of a buyer as much as you can. This does not always have to be with a professional stager which is a different service and one that is absolutely amazing as well if you can get one or is recommended. Good presentation is a welcoming home that is in order and energy – aren’t we doing this anyway right now for our wellbeing and our homes?
2) Clearing Clutter. This is a touchy subject. It can be overwhelming but does not have to be. Clutter makes spaces look smaller and usually happens when been in a house for a long time – this includes closets, play areas, utility storage, and garages. Buyers like to sense open spaces and envision themselves in your house. If have too much of your personal belongings (ie kid drawings, family photos, memorabilia especially if it’s a theme) can be distracting. What a great time to check these off the list and organize them if you have not done so already in this downtime. Besides, when the Oscar Arellano Team gets you that buyer, it will be fast and you’ll have less to pack and reduce the stress of moving.
Luckily, we Miamians have a great local Coral Gables small business organizer that you can go to for some tips and guidance to help you clear out clutter. Check out Jessica DeSiato from Thoughfully Organized®. She has a beautiful Instagram page with lots of ideas, videos, and even collaborations. Let’s continue to support local small businesses. More information visit: www.thoughtfullyorganized.com or on Instagram @thoughtfullyorganized
3) Repurpose a room. Who has a home gym now? Who has a new office space or a home school space that isn’t the kitchen counter or dining room table? An herb garden in the balcony or patio? If you have the luxury to have a room that doesn’t have much of a use, why not easily take this time and update it with some basics you probably have laying around anyway. Frame some kid pictures, hang up art pieces or trophies, and medals. This not only fulfills your wellbeing while staying home, it gives buyers ideas on how they can utilize the spaces beside the classic guest bedroom or patio chair and table.
4) Fixing up, painting, curb appeal. So we know the maintenance of a house is crucial but they can be tedious and sometimes annoying, right? Sometimes need professional help but what about that little projects that we can fix ourselves. Maybe paint that wall that has had lots of traffic and needs a touch-up? Take a look at your A/C unit maintenance? Maybe change out the bulbs to be more energy-efficient or change out the color to one that is pleasing and more neutral? Fix up your front yard, or even add a garden for curb appeal with exterior solar lighting. While in this mode, you might come across a potential problem that can be worthwhile looking into before putting up the house for sale. The more you can do, the less your potential buyers will account for. They will have an inspection nonetheless but being prepared in advance could be worth looking into some basics in the meantime.
Hope this guide is an aid to see that we are in this together – renting, selling, or buying, it’s about clearing our home to make way for a new norm. Any tips or suggestions that have worked for you that are low cost in preparation to list your home, feel free to share with friends and family too this list– remember my motto still stands: I move fast so you can too!
For more information, visit us too on Instagram: oscar_arellano_realtor and always at +305.525.7324. Look forward to meeting you! On behalf of all of us at The Oscar Arellano Team, thank you for the confidence you give us to better serve you.
