Reasons to Remove Clutter Before You List Your House

by Loann Tran 12/22/2019

Let's face it – clutter can be a problem, particularly for those who intend to sell a home in the foreseeable future. But if you allocate time and resources to remove clutter from your home now, you may reap the benefits of your efforts during the home selling cycle.

Ultimately, there are many reasons for a home seller to eliminate clutter before he or she lists a residence, and these include:

1. You can help a homebuyer envision what life may be like as the owner of your house.

Oftentimes, homebuyers want to picture what life may be like if they purchase a particular residence. Yet a home that is filled with antiques, decorations and other items may make it tough for a homebuyer to do just that.

If you remove clutter from your residence, however, you can make it simple for a buyer to see your home's full potential. As a result, a buyer may be better equipped than ever before to determine whether your residence is the right choice.

2. You can earn extra cash.

Although your house may be loaded with a wide range of personal belongings, you don't necessarily have to throw these items away. In fact, you can always sell excess items to simultaneously remove clutter from your house and earn extra cash.

It may be a good idea to host a yard sale before you list your house. This will enable you to sell excess items as well as inform neighbors about your upcoming plans to add your residence to the real estate market.

Of course, you can sell excess items online as well. Or, you may be able to donate assorted items to local charities.

3. You may speed up the home selling process.

The home selling process may prove to be long and complicated, especially if a house is overloaded with clutter. Thankfully, removing clutter may make it easy for you to stir up lots of interest from potential buyers as soon as your residence becomes available.

A clutter-free residence is more likely to be clean and tidy in comparison to other houses. Thus, when buyers enter a clutter-free residence for the first time, they may fall in love with this house right away. And if a clutter-free home makes a positive first impression on a buyer, a seller soon may receive a competitive offer to purchase his or her house.

If you're searching for help as you try to remove clutter from your residence, you may want to hire a real estate agent. This housing market professional can offer plenty of assistance throughout the home selling journey.

Typically, a real estate agent will help you list your house and promote it to potential buyers. Plus, if you need help as you get your home ready for the housing market, a real estate agent will make it simple to prepare your residence and ensure it makes a positive impression on buyers.

Eliminate clutter from your house, and you may increase the likelihood of a fast, profitable home selling experience.

About the Author
Author

Loann Tran

With over 30 years of real estate experience, Loann Tran is a trusted and award-winning REALTOR® in the Bay Area. A top producer since 1995, she’s known for her deep market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to her clients. Loann has successfully navigated all market conditions—including the 2009 downturn—and consistently ranks among the top 10% of agents in Santa Clara County. Now with Compass, she combines her expertise with innovative tools and technology to deliver exceptional results. Clients value her integrity, attention to detail, and personal approach, making her a reliable partner for both buyers and sellers.