If you have sold a home while living in it, or are currently in the process, you know this is no easy task. After all, getting rid of clutter, keeping it clean and showing ready while trying to appeal to potential buyers is hard enough. Add in children, and the whole thing could feel overwhelming. Have no fear, I have a few ideas to help with the process so you can still represent your home as that blank canvas buyers look for.

Keep the kiddos happy

Most children struggle with the thought of moving, and certainly don’t love the idea of packing up their favorite toys. Make this easier for them by allowing them to pick out their favorites (books, stuffed animals and toys) and store it in an easy to move and hide box. Once a showing is completed, bring out the faves for the kids to play with.

Stage for Everyone

Most buyers will likely have children, grand children or plan to have children at some point. However, it could be difficult for them to imagine living in your home when it is stocked full of your children’s belongings. To appeal to as many buyers as possible, you will need to tone down the presence of children in your home. This sounds a bit harsh, but truth be told, it is no different than cleaning for company. Put toys in to boxes and store in closets or storage spaces. Put back packs, shoes and lunch boxes in a mud room or the garage. As much as we all love the fridge artwork, consider storing it in a binder with protector sheets.

Convert playrooms to multi purpose rooms

A multi purpose room is a big attraction for most buyers. It is no wonder with all the possibilities for that extra space. You can finally have a man cave, a big office or a make shift guest area. If you have a room that you have used as a playroom, consider staging it to look like a room full of possibilities. Place furniture like a sofa, side tables or a desk in the room. Keep décor to a minimum so that buyers aren’t distracted from the size or space potential. Remove toy clutter or marker and paint stains. Creating an open space with minimal items allows people to imagine the possibilities that this extra room can yield.

Prep the Bedrooms

Children’s bedrooms are typically personalized with walls in their favorite colors and bedding and décor with their favorite characters. This can be overwhelming to some buyers so you will want to make sure these rooms have appeal that is universal. If you have a painted mural, brightly colored walls or printed wall paper, consider painting the room in a neutral color. During showings, store stuffed animals, toys and dolls in a bedroom closet during showings. Don’t forget about the teeny décor items, like the character night light, spider man light switch cover or Barbie ceiling fan pull.

If you are selling your Lake Tahoe home and need help with staging or general real estate advice, call Peter Delilli at 530-308-4331.