STAGING YOUR MARITAL HOME IN A DIVORCE SALE

When it comes to preparing and staging a home when putting it up for sale, there is no difference if it is a regular sale or a sale because of a divorce. Our goal is the same, where we want a quick sale and for top dollar. The only difference between a regular sale and a divorce sale is; that we have to prepare the home and make it look like it is not a divorce sale. Our goal is still to get top dollar, we don’t want to look desperate and have buyers think we want a quick sale and we will take any price that is offered. We also have to prepare ourselves emotionally and face more challenging issues. And, instead of the sale being a 2 sided sale (between the buyer and seller) it now becomes more challenging with a 3 sided sale (buyer, ex-spouse, and ex-spouse).

Before you start preparing your home for sale, it is important to make a list to outline each person’s responsibilities. Even if they are shared equally, it is helpful and less stressful to know whose role is what. Clearly describe on paper who is responsible for the cleaning and doing repairs etc.

First impressions are everything when it comes to attracting buyers. Showing the condition of the house is very important. Does your home require minor repairs? Fix all holes and chips on the walls, maybe give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Fix all leaky faucets. Fix anything that needs fixing.  Stain deck and fences, trim the garden and consider curb appeal. 

Decluttering the house will help you emotionally detach yourself from the home and remove the emotional triggers. It will help you look at the house sale as a business transaction. Pack up the family photos, keepsakes and valuables. Declutter the home of things that have been accumulating over the years and are no longer needed. Start splitting up the items in the home and pack them up, donate or trash them. Still make the home looked lived in by a couple. Furnish each room, have two sets of clothes in the closets, don’t draw suspicion to the buyers. Make the home look like a happy home. 

Lastly clean your house as you have never cleaned before including carpets, drapes, bathroom tile, walls, windows, ceiling and trim, etc. You want your house to be Q-Tip clean rather than just presentable. If you are including the appliances in the sale, make sure they are in working condition and sparkling clean. The purpose of a spotless house is the best way to communicate to potential buyers that you take very good care of your home.

If you want top dollar for your home it is important to have your home in tip-top shape. Remember you are selling the buyer a lifestyle and you want the buyers to imagine themselves living in your home.