5 Things You Can Do To Make Your House More Family Friendly When Selling on the Massachusetts or Connecticut

Although the best homes normally need a considerable amount of work before they can be sold. Then, if you’re trying to make your home more family friendly, the job generally ramps up – from paying more attention to certain elements of staging to playing with various marketing strategies. However, most of it is simply a change of focus. So, let’s look at five things you can do to make your home more family friendly before selling it on the Massachusetts or Connecticut MLS.

1. Deep Clean and Declutter . . . of Course

If you’re trying to make your Massachusetts or Connecticut house more family friendly or not, certain elements of your preparations will still be the same – for example, deep cleaning and decluttering. It’s just that when you’re aiming for family friendliness, these things become even more important.

One of the most critical aspects of home staging is decluttering. Also the cleanest homes need some decluttering to prepare them for the market and every piece of décor has an impact on how your home feels.. . . . To visually widen these areas, thin out the objects on your surfaces and put away as much as you can from your closets.

“A thorough cleaning is also required. Even if your home is well-kept, home buyers will scrutinize every detail, and even minor flaws such as a dusty vent or dirty baseboards will turn buyers off.”

2. Take Care of Electrical and Plumbing Issues

Bathrooms and kitchens are usually used much more often by families with children than by families without children. To make your home more family-friendly, you’ll need to address any electrical or plumbing problems and ensure that these devices are in good working order.

Start by replacing any blown fuses with circuit breakers. Also, ensure that all outlets are properly grounded and that GFCI outlets are installed where they are needed by code. Installing baby-proof outlets is also a smart idea if you want to cater to families with small children.

In addition, “Make sure that all of the toilets are working properly and that there are no leaks across the foundation. For a home seller, rebuilding a toilet and repairing the wax ring between its base and the floor is a low-cost repair. Ensure that all drains are in good working order..”

3. Make the Pool Safe

Many families are searching for a house with a pool. However, they also want a pool that is secure and does not pose a threat to their children. Make sure your pool is clean to make your home more family friendly.

A mesh fence is the most common and reliable pool safety solution. Most safety codes will be met, and the average cost per linear foot is about $10.

A pool safety cover is another choice for making your home more family friendly by making the pool safer. A cover usually costs between $1 and $5 per square foot. A pool cover acts as a shield to keep leaves and other debris out of the water, as well as making the pool cleaner for children.

4. Create a Blank Palette 

All home buyers, especially those with children, want to be able to picture your house as their home, with their belongings and them living there. Creating a blank palette that allows prospective buyers to do just that is a perfect way to make your house more family friendly when selling on the Massachusetts or Connecticut MLS.

The first item on your to-do list for home staging is to neutralize your decor… Industry professionals often advise neutralizing everything before adding any subtle bursts of color. This will make your home more appealing to potential buyers and allow them to envision their own furnishings in its place.

“Remove your personal belongings as the second thing on your home staging to-do list. Buyers are reminded that they are walking through a stranger’s home by personal items such as family photos, awards, or children’s artwork. For the most part, this is highly disturbing. This unease affects how they feel about their home and makes them feel compelled to leave.”

5. Market Appropriately

Once you’ve completed all of these steps to make your home more family friendly, you’ll need to market it properly. This means emphasizing and emphasizing the functionality and services that will appeal to consumers with families in particular.

Some examples are: 

• A location within or near a top school district
• Being situated on a quiet street or cul-de-sac
• Proximity to parks and restaurants
• Low crime rate
• Large backyard
• Smart technology that contributes to both security and comfort
• Plenty of square footage and bedrooms

Consult Your Agent Before Selling on the Massachusetts or Connecticut MLS

Finally, when selling your home on the Massachusetts or Connecticut MLS, consult your Massachusetts or Connecticut real estate agent about making your home more family friendly. Your agent will have a clear understanding of the local market and will know what properties will appeal to families the most. So, if you’re ready to sell and want to make your Massachusetts or Connecticut home more family friendly, call us at 413-455-0008 right now.