Ready to Sell Safely and Speedily?
When you are ready to sell your home, especially during a global pandemic, two things probably come to mind: doing it quickly and doing it safely. There is good news here, and that is that both of these are possible. Read on to learn how to safely sell your home during the pandemic.
Go for a minimalist environment.
Your home should be a blank slate for its future owners to envision as their own. Because of this, starting your selling endeavors should begin by clearing things out and going back with a minimalist theme. Having fewer things in your home actually enhances your safety as well since there will be fewer surfaces to clean after each showing of the home.
Enlist help.
Selling a house is a big job, and it’s one that has many moving parts you may not have considered. Look for people that can help you get your home ready in as safe of a way as possible. The first professional you should connect with is a skilled real estate professional like Sylvain Bourgon who can help you make informed decisions when selling your home. Also, an interior designer can take what furnishings you have left and add and remove other furniture and accessories to make your home stand out from the crowd. Freelance job boards can connect you to professionals that follow CDC recommendations for pandemic cleaning precautions.
Plan a Virtual Tour.
Once your home is cleaned and staged, it’s time to talk to your agent about a virtual, 3D tour. This is an interactive walk-through that allows potential buyers to virtually explore every nook and cranny of your home without having to come through the front doors. They can spend as much time as they want “walking” room to room while they decide on if your house is their next home.
Leave the House.
As a general rule of thumb, the seller should never be at home during a showing. Not only does your presence make your buyers uncomfortable, but it will also put you in closer proximity to a group of strangers. And, considering that social distancing has been our most effective tool in stopping the spread of the virus, leaving will bolster your safety efforts. Make sure to leave hand sanitizer and facial coverings for your visitors before you head out the door.
Fix Things Buyers Hate.
Your realtor will talk to you about features of your home that might make it difficult to sell. This could be anything from an overgrown garden to an old-fashioned bathroom or ugly carpets in the bedroom. Listen to their advice, and make arrangements to fix the ones that will have the most impact. When a buyer enters your property, the last thing you want them doing is putting their hands all over your kitchen cabinets, for example, because they can’t quite tell if the handles are sturdy and secure.
Stage Virtually.
If you simply cannot bear the thought of people coming into your home until they are serious about making an offer, consider cleaning out each room, hiring a photographer, and sending professional pictures to a virtual home staging company. This way, your rooms can look at their very best, and you won’t have to invite strangers into your safe space. Further, a virtual stager can change out colors, fixtures, and furniture to appeal to a larger audience.
Selling a home during a pandemic may be a frightening thought. However, with the right help and a few simple safety precautions, such as opting for a virtual tour instead of an in-person showing, you can keep your family safe without sacrificing the sellability of your property. And when buyers do insist on seeing it in person, keeping your furniture and belongings down to a minimum will give you fewer things to clean once you return.
If you need to sell your Ottawa home for the right price, connect with Sylvain Bourgon by calling 613-590-3036 or emailing sylvain@buyandsellottawa.ca!