Preparing Your Home for Divorce Showings While Living There
- Lisa McNally
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Key Takeaways
Decluttering and depersonalizing your home creates a welcoming environment for potential buyers.
Keeping your home clean and staged, even while living there, is essential for making a strong impression.
Flexible scheduling and communication with your real estate agent can reduce stress during showings.
Establishing routines for quick tidying and maintaining privacy ensures a smoother process.
Highlighting your home’s best features with simple staging techniques can boost its appeal.
Professional guidance from a divorce mediator and real estate expert can streamline the selling process during this challenging time.
Balancing Life and Showings During Divorce
Selling a home during a divorce can be one of the most emotionally and logistically challenging aspects of the process. It’s even more complicated if you’re still living in the home while showings are happening. Balancing your personal life with the need to present your home in its best light requires thoughtful preparation and planning.
As a Certified Divorce Mediator, Coach and Divorce Real Estate Expert, I’ve helped many clients navigate this unique challenge. This guide will provide practical tips for preparing your home for showings while living there, ensuring a smoother process for everyone involved.
1. Start with Decluttering and Depersonalizing
The first step in preparing your home for showings is creating a neutral and inviting space for potential buyers.
Tips for Decluttering
Remove excess items from countertops, shelves, and common areas.
Box up personal belongings you don’t use daily and store them out of sight.
Focus on creating open and clean spaces that allow buyers to envision their own belongings.
Depersonalizing Your Home
Take down family photos, personalized decor, and anything that reflects your current situation.
Neutralize the space with simple, universally appealing decorations.
This step helps buyers focus on the home’s features rather than your personal life.
2. Prioritize Cleanliness and Maintenance
A clean home makes a strong first impression and signals to buyers that the property has been well cared for.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Make your bed each morning and tidy up before leaving the house.
Wipe down surfaces, vacuum, and ensure bathrooms are spotless.
Keep laundry and dishes out of sight.
Address Repairs and Maintenance
Fix minor issues like squeaky doors, chipped paint, or leaky faucets.
Ensure your home’s exterior, including the lawn and driveway, is well-maintained.
3. Set Up Flexible Showing Schedules
Coordinating showings can be stressful, but flexibility helps attract more buyers.
Work with Your Real Estate Agent
Discuss your schedule and any restrictions with your agent.
Aim to accommodate as many showings as possible without disrupting your routine.
Create a System for Quick Exits
Have a plan in place for leaving the house quickly during showings.
Prepare a "showing bag" with essentials you can take with you, such as important documents or personal items.
4. Maintain Privacy and Security
While you want to create a welcoming space, it’s important to protect your privacy.
Tips for Safeguarding Your Belongings
Store valuables, financial documents, and personal items in a secure location.
Limit access to certain areas, such as home offices or bedrooms, if necessary.
Communicate any privacy concerns with your real estate agent.
5. Stage Your Home to Highlight Its Best Features
Simple staging techniques can make your home stand out and appeal to more buyers.
Focus on Key Areas
Living Room: Arrange furniture to create an open and inviting space.
Kitchen: Keep countertops clear and display fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit.
Bedrooms: Use neutral bedding and remove clutter to create a calm atmosphere.
Let in Light
Open curtains and blinds to maximize natural light.
Add lamps or other lighting to brighten darker areas.
How a Divorce Mediator and Real Estate Expert Can Help
Selling a home during divorce is more than a financial transaction—it’s an emotional journey. As a Certified Divorce Mediator and Real Estate Expert, I can:
Facilitate Communication: Help you and your ex-spouse agree on showing schedules and preparations.
Provide Staging Advice: Offer guidance on simple, cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s appeal.
Streamline the Process: Coordinate with your real estate agent to ensure smooth communication and minimize stress.
Having a professional on your side ensures you’re supported every step of the way.
Preparing Your Home for Divorce Showings To Present Your Home with Confidence
Preparing your home for divorce showings while living there may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely manageable. By focusing on cleanliness, decluttering, and creating a welcoming environment, you can make a positive impression on buyers while maintaining your daily routine.
📅 Need expert guidance on selling your home during divorce? Schedule a Free Initial Consultation today at www.LisasCalendar.com to discuss your unique needs and receive personalized support.
Author: Lisa McNally, Certified Divorce Mediator, Coach, Financial Analyst, and Divorce Real Estate Expert
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