Selling your home can be a stressful time. Here are some handy tips to make your home sale a more pleasant experience.
1. Plan some family time. A high percentage of home showings occur during weekends and evenings, encroaching on your family time. Find ways to get alone time, whether it’s a few hours visiting a local park or an escape to the mountains for a few days now and then.
2. Set some parameters with your listing agent. Be sure he or she is clear on how and when you’d like to be contacted. (For example, for homes listed for sale in the Massachusetts MLS, you can opt to receive email feedback directly from agents who have showed your home.) You might also want to have some guidelines in place for the amount of notice your listing agent gives you for showing requests.
3. Make cleanups easier. No one likes have to rush around for last minute showings but it does happen from time to time. Minimize stress by splitting up the chores among family members. It can also be helpful to keep an attractive basket in each room so it’s easy to pick up extraneous items when you’re preparing for a last-minute showing.
4. Treat yourself. Small details like ordering fresh flowers every week make your home look more inviting and improve one’s mood.
5. Plan an outing during home showings. Do something you enjoy during showings. Go for a walk or for a date night with your partner or spouse. This way, leaving during the home showing feels less like a chore and more a time to enjoy together.