Home Selling Tip: Think Safety When Showing Your Bergen County Home For Sale

When a potential buyer considers a Bergen County home for sale, they are looking for more than a home that "feels" good, they also want to make sure their needs and wants now and in the future can be met. One of these needs is often a concern for safety. Whether it is safety in regards to stability and workmanship of the home or safety in terms of investment potential or location, you can bet it is on their mind. Many first time home buyers are also looking at safety on a different level - considering possibly whether the home will be safe for their children or potential family.

Child safety may not be something that you reflect on when preparing your home for sale, but it really does matter in the minds of most buyers. While they won’t expect your home to be outfitted with the latest in baby proofing technology, they will expect some general safety parameters to be followed.  Most safety measures require little effort or cost, but contribute greatly to a sense of well being in the minds of potential home buyers. And, don't ever discount the importance of potential buyers getting that "warm-and-fuzzy" 1st impression when they tour your Bergen County home for sale!

The following questions may help your home for sale to be considered (at least subconsciously) as a safe place for their future home.

• Are your floors clean and walkways clear? (& I don't just mean the old roller skate or banana peel on the steps!)
• Are cleaning supplies and garage materials placed together in a secure or out of reach cabinet?
• Are your windows and doors lockable and do your interior and exterior doors shut securely?
• Can you replace any corded mini-blinds with alternative window coverings?
• Are there modifications needed to fireplace hearths, concrete, or brick work that will make your home safer?
• Can you remove or secure any electrical or cable cords and are your electrical outlets in good condition?
• Are there areas in your home where things can be fixed or tightened up inexpensively? Children have a way of loosening and removing anything that is not absolutely secure.
• Have your knickknacks and fragile items been removed or packed up so that they are not harmed if children attend an open house?
• Have you removed or secured all toiletries (ie. razors, medicines and toothpaste) in your bathrooms so they are not generally accessible?
• Should you purchase a throw rug to deter the possibility of someone slipping in any area of your home?
• If you have a pool or spa, do you have the required number of barriers or gates in place to protect children?
• Here's one that most folks wouldn't think about, but can & have been the cause of tragedy! Is your laundry area secure? I know of at least one case where a toddler got away from the family during an open house, climbed up on a washer filled with water & the lid open, fell in & drowned. Horrible, I know, but as the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention...".

Lastly (& this may sound funny!), consider having someone crawl through your home on their knees, viewing it as a child might. If something looks enticing or potentially dangerous, eliminate it until your home is sold.  Considering this punch-list of items will not only help sell your home, it will also help you to rest easy knowing your home and personal items are safe from harm when families (... agents, inspectors, appraisers, etc.) view it during the selling process.

If you have any questions about real estate or want to know the best ways of listing & showing your Bergen County home, call me, Brian Morgenweck (201) 489-3020, or email me!