How to Sell Your Home While Living in It in Fairfax Station, VA

by Kristin Borostyan

Selling your home while still living in it is common, but it comes with challenges.

The key is balancing daily life with keeping your home ready for buyers at all times.

Here's how to sell your home while living in it in Fairfax Station, VA, or anywhere in Fairfax County.

What to Expect

1. Last-Minute Showings
Buyers often request same-day or short-notice showings. You can ask for a 1-2 hour notice, but in the first two weeks, it is critical to accept all buyer showings. These are the people who want to see your home, are pre-qualified, and are excited to see it. You want them to tour as quickly as possible. Remember, some buyers are out of town and have limited time to view homes before they return home.

2. Keeping the Home Ready

Have the home professionally cleaned right before photos and keep it up during the showings.
Organize all closets and pack clothes away if possible.
If you have children, store toys in bins or drawers.
The front entryway needs to be clean and neat. Store shoes in the closet or the garage.
All beds should be made, and consider new bed covers to make them look fresh and welcoming.
Wipe down all surfaces and keep counters clean of clutter.
Clean or vacuum all floors.

3. Leaving During Showings
It’s best for sellers to step out so buyers feel comfortable. A time will be scheduled for the showing, so you'll know how long to be away. The first weekend will be the busiest, and I often suggest my sellers head out to avoid the constant in-and-out of the showings. And remember, things come up, so buyers' schedules may change or they may cancel. That is to be expected, and don't get discouraged. The right buyer will eventually see your home!

Practical Tips

Create a quick daily reset routine. Have a divide-and-conquer attitude so the house is 'show' ready for each buyer.
Use baskets or bins to declutter fast and store items in closets and under sinks.
Put fresh white towels out before each showing. Store your personal towels in the laundry room in a basket.
Store valuables and other personal items in a box that is not easily accessible.
Pack up as much as possible so the cleanup is easy, and you are living in a minimal environment.
Put on all lights and open all blinds before showings, even in the evening.
Take your pets with you if possible.
Get one trash can for all your daily trash and store it outside during showings.

The Reality

It’s not always convenient, but it directly impacts how your home shows and how buyers respond.

You need to meet the buyer where they are at. And if they need to see the house at 8 p.m. on a Tuesday night, you get it ready for them. You never know who the buyer will be, and making it available for them to view is what brings offers in the door.

The more consistent your home looks, the stronger your results will be. You want to make buyers feel like your home is for them. And after you receive an offer, you can relax on maintaining the home in show condition.

If you'd like a strategy session on best practices for getting your home ready for buyers, text me. 703-888-9886. I'll walk your home and make suggestions that make sense and are easy to follow.

Savvy strategies. Expert guidance. Proven results.

List with Kristin.