For 20 years my mother and father-in-law lived in a suburb of Orlando Florida. They had a great home but last year they decided to sell and move here (Louisville Kentucky). Boy did they pick the wrong time to try and sell. The showings were sporadic the feedback pointed to clutter and the age of the kitchen.

The 20 year old kitchen appliances were a real turn off to perspective buyers.
As a realtor in Louisville Kentucky I tried to help my in-laws sell their home with some staging suggestions that could help you as well. Like many sellers, my in-laws can’t understand why a buyer can’t see past the clutter. It’s a fair question but the answer is the clutter distracts buyers from seeing the room and space. I had my in-laws shoot pictures of their home and then send them to me. You can see the clutter and my suggestions with arrows to remove the items. It’s a tough tradeoff for any seller, of course you have to live in the house, yet you’re being asked to put your life on hold while strangers walk through the house.
My in-laws followed some of my advice (this was the second round of pictures). Pillows, books pictures of the family all distracted a buyers’ eye. My in-laws accept removed most of the items and also bought new stainless steel appliances. The condo sold and my in-laws are now happy in their new Ball home in the Louisville area. If my in-laws could do it with a condo in Florida, you can too! Follow your realtors’ advice and de-clutter. Keep a positive outlook, the interest rates and coming down and with any luck, 2008 will see home sales on the rise!
Bob Sokoler is an agent and co-owner of The Medley-Sokoler Team ranked 7th among more than 4,200 realtors in the Louisville area and as one of the top 4 RE/MAX teams in Kentucky and Tennessee for 2007. Now also selling homes in Southern Indiana. There’s a reason we’re one of the top 10 teams in the region. Service, Caring Commitment and Advanced Technology. Oh, by the way, we’re never too busy for your referrals!