5 Tips to Help You Depersonalize Your Home to Sell

Your real estate agent will most likely suggest that you depersonalize your home before you sell it. But where do you start? This guide explains.

How to Depersonalize Your Home to Sell

In order to depersonalize your home before you sell, you’ll need to take down or put away:

Collections and memorabilia
Controversial decor
Personal photos
Refrigerator clutter
Personal effects in bedrooms and bathrooms

Here’s a closer look at why (and what to replace it with).

Home Depersonalization Tip #1: Put Away Collections and Memorabilia

Not all buyers have the same interests that you do, and that means your collections and memorabilia may be unlikely to impress people. You should take down collectables, sports memorabilia and other items and replace them with more generic decor. That’s because, even if buyers appreciate your time and dedication, they’ll have a hard time envisioning their own belongings in the space.

Home Depersonalization Tip #2: Take Down Controversial Decor

You should remove any controversial – or potentially controversial – decor and items before you list your home for sale. That certainly includes political items, as well as anything that’s overtly religious. Additionally, if you have anything that buyers may consider risque, you should put it in storage until you move into your new home.

Home Depersonalization Tip #3: Replace Personal Photos

Your family photos are what make your house at home, but when you’re selling, you should replace them with more generic decor. Think of what you’d see in a model home; that’s the look you’re going for. Also, removing family photos just makes sense from a privacy standpoint.

Home Depersonalization Tip #4: Remove Refrigerator Clutter

Though kids’ drawings, birthday party invitations and other important communications adorn fridges all over the country, You should take yours down when you’re selling your home. Again, doing so can protect your family’s privacy; additionally, though, buyers often see refrigerator art and other items as clutter.

Home Depersonalization Tip #5: Put Away Personal Effects

Put away your toothbrush and other toiletries, as well as any personal effects on your bedside tables or dresser. Buyers don’t particularly want to see those things, and leaving them out can also inhibit their imaginations.

Pro Tip: You should also take your valuables out of your home while it’s on the market – or, at the very least, take them with you when you leave for showings. That goes for medications, too, which may contain all kinds of personal information on labels (and can easily be stolen).

Why is Depersonalization So Important?

When you stage your home, the goal is to enable buyers to envision themselves living there. That’s really tough for them to do if it’s incredibly obvious they’re in someone else’s home. Ideally, you’ll be able to depersonalize to such a level that your space looks like a model home in a new neighborhood.

If buyers can’t imagine their belongings in your space, they’re very unlikely to make an offer. That’s the bottom line when it comes to depersonalization.

Are You Selling a Home in DC Ranch?

Thinking about selling your home in DC Ranch? Call us at 480-360-0281 to find out how we’ll market it to all the right buyers. If you’re also looking for a new home, we’d love show you any listing in the community. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to search for something that’s a perfect match for your needs.

While you’re here, check out our:

Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-613-8356
don@scottsdalerealestate.com