Whether it’s your first or tenth time selling your home, you’re bound to run into some challenges. One of those challenges can be selling a home with kids! Having children in the home during the selling process presents a whole new set of obstacles to juggle, and we know it can be stressful. That’s why we’ve crafted this list of tips to help you successfully sell your home with kiddos by your side!
Tip 1: If your child is old enough, explain to them that you’re moving.
One of the biggest mistakes that sellers with kids make, is they are not upfront with them about the process. If you wait too long to tell them you’re selling the house, or they find out on their own, the surprise can be painful. They probably have some great memories in the home. Maybe they grew up there, or made friends in the neighborhood. If your child comes home from school one day to a “For Sale” sign in the front yard, it could be quite upsetting.
We strongly suggest that you inform your kids you will be selling your home. Letting them know about your future plans and explaining to them why you’ve decided to sell your home can really make a difference in how they process the situation. If you’re able to show your kids where they will be living in the future, and point out some of the positive characteristics of their new home and neighborhood, they may be excited for the move.
Tip 2: Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Declutter.
Clutter is one thing that will instantly overshadow your home’s appeal. Give yourself plenty of time to clear the clutter from every room. It may take several trips to Goodwill or to a storage unit, but clear out those hand-me-downs and forgotten toys early in the process so you can focus on other things while you get ready to sell! Click this link for a list of things to get rid of before a move.
While you’re packing your kids belongings away before selling your home, make sure you do not pack every single one of their toys! Keep 2 or 3 favorite toys out so they can be readily available for them.
Tip 3: Give yourself plenty of notice for showings.
If you have the option to specify how much notice you have before a showing, take full advantage of this! A 1-hour notice is pushing it when you have kids in the household, so always try for at least 2 hours notice. This gives you enough time to clean up the toys, gather up your kids, and get your home looking worthy of an selling offer.
Now, there may be times when your 2-hour notice doesn’t work. A family is ready to check out your home NOW. What do you do?
Tip 4: Keep the trunk empty!
You won’t always have a 2-hour notice for showings. Sometimes you’ll only get 10 minutes to gather the clutter, pack up your kids, and get out of the house! This is when you’ll want to throw the extra items in your trunk and go.
Tip 5: Plan fun things to do during showings!
Whether you have 2 hours notice or 15 minutes, it’s important you have a game plan in place. Some great ways to spend time with your kids during showings of your home before it sells may include:
- Going out to dinner
- Grabbing ice cream
- Playing at the park
- Seeing a new movie at the local theater
- Visiting family and friends
If you have little ones, it’s also very important that you have a bag ready and packed of the most important items your kid may need. These items may include formula, diapers, and toys.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home can be stressful, especially when you add kids to the equation! So remember, when selling a home with children, your home might not always be “perfect.” But by following these tips, you’ll quickly be on your way to a smoother, simpler, selling process!
