“Listen up, everyone. We’re moving to a new home.” Have you ever wondered how your children will react to an announcement like this? If you’ve just received word of an upcoming relocation, you’re about to find out. Depending on their age, they may be full of anxiety or full of excitement, or likely a combination of both. 

In any case, it’s a big transition, and it can be overwhelming enough for an adult to handle, let alone a child. And, of course, there are the logistics of selling to focus on. Having children or pets around can make it tough to keep your home immaculate when potential buyers visit. The remedy for such a challenging task is to create an achievable but flexible action plan. Surrounding yourself with a team of people to support you will also help! 

Preparing Your Home With Minimum Stress

It’s common knowledge that a house that presents well will sell faster and often for more money. However, achieving that goal can be easier said than done, especially when children or pets are in the picture. !

Your first step is to clean and declutter your house as thoroughly as possible. 

Toys and clothes your children have outgrown can be donated or thrown away, as can your other belongings you no longer use. Anything not used regularly is best stored offsite, at a relative’s house or in storage. Decluttering first offers two distinct benefits. 

1. It will make tidying your home easier when a buyer arrives. 
2. You will have less to pack and unpack when you move. 

It’s well worth the effort and time it takes now! Once you’ve minimized your belongings as much as possible, it’s time for a deep clean. The floors, walls, counters, and even the baseboards can all use a good wipe-down. Cleaning the windows until they shine and washing all the curtains will help make your home bright and inviting. 

Does all of this sound like too much work on top of your regular routine? Now is a great time to reach out to your support network. Are any family members or friends handy with tools or a paintbrush? You will be amazed at the transformation a few minor touchups can make in your home. And keep in mind, your real estate agent can be the best resource of all. Anything you don’t want to do yourself, or don’t have time for – they can arrange it all for you.

How can you find a knowledgeable and local Realtor®? Here are some tips on How to Find the Best Midtown Real Estate Team.

What to Do With Pets When Selling

They’re loving, they’re adorable, and you can’t imagine life without them. Your pet is one of the family, and your heart melts every time they run to greet you. But as hard as it is to believe, some potential buyers will not feel the same way. The sights, sounds, and smells of animals can be a turnoff for some people when they come to view your home. Some potential buyers may even be nervous or afraid of your pet, and the feeling is often mutual.

Our furry family members have finely-tuned instincts, and they know when something is off. Even before your move, the sight of packed boxes and a steady stream of strangers through the door can stress them out. What can you do to make both your pet and your buyer feel comfortable and welcome? 

• Pack away all but a few of your pet’s toys while your house is on the market.
• Move pet beds, food dishes, toys and litter boxes out of the main rooms of the house. They should not be visible in the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, or bedrooms.
• If you can, keep your pet confined to one room of the house with their favourite blankets and toys. The familiarity will help keep them calm, and potential buyers can walk through the rest of the home in peace.
• Take extra care to keep your house clean to eliminate pet odours. Air fresheners can help. And open a window if the weather permits!

Feeling overwhelmed about this whole process? Find out how our team can help you enjoy a successful sale without the hassle right here.

Everyone Plays Their Part

Your home will never look as stunning as it does once the preparations are finished and the staging has been completed. If only it could look like this forever! But you do have to live there until your closing day, so keeping your house in perfect condition can be nearly impossible. 

The trick to maintaining the effect is for everyone in the family to chip in. When you get news of an appointment for a showing, the following checklist will help impress your buyer.

• Ensure there are no dirty dishes in the kitchen sink, and wipe down all tables and countertops.
• Do a quick sweep of the living room and bedrooms to ensure no clothes or toys are lying on the floor.
• Open the curtains and some windows if possible.
• Make the beds.
• Wipe down the bathroom and make sure the toilets are flushed.

Living in a staged home can be challenging. However, take heart that it will not be long until your house sells and you can adopt a more relaxed routine. 

What’s your next step after your house sells? Find out more about Midtown Toronto right here.

Focus on the Positive

It’s vital that everyone feels heard during the moving process. Young children can pick up stress and anxiety from their parents, which they will bear in addition to their own. The more you can sit down and talk honestly about the move and what it will mean, the more comfortable everyone will feel.

As important as it is to acknowledge any sadness or worry you or your child feels, focusing on the positive as much as possible will help. Looking at the parks, restaurants, or playgrounds near your new neighbourhood can make everyone more excited about the transition. 

In addition, it may be a good idea to talk about all the good times you’ve had in your current home. When you do, you’ll notice a theme. It wasn’t the house itself that filled those memories with so much joy; it was the people.

With that in mind, you’ll know that your new home is just waiting for you to fill it with laughter and memories as well! A sea of new experiences is ahead of you, where you will meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and have a brand new neighbourhood to explore.

Are you thinking about selling your house in Midtown Toronto? We specialize in the area and are happy to help you achieve the best results. Reach out to us today at david@batorigroup.com or call (416) 485-7575 with any questions you have.