By Mary E.

By now, has wiping down surfaces around the house become a routine chore? In this time of tidying up for COVID-19 prevention, a home seller can highlight ways to social distance and safely sanitize while marketing their property. Take a look at the ideas mentioned here for making lemonade out of the lemons that life sometimes gives!

How is your “new normal” going amidst COVID-19 prevention? 

Around our kitchen table, it seems we are discussing the changes to our routines every. single. day. ! For instance, I heard about an important military retirement ceremony with only a handful of “essentials” present (while live-streaming the honor for the well-wisher’s). Thankfully, a spacious outdoor courtyard gave the small number of attendees the opportunity to keep their proper distance while wearing protective masks and disposable gloves. This scenario is a reminder that even during this unique time it is still possible to make the most of a milestone event.

On a similar note, even in the thick of these social distancing days, a home seller can still make the most of their property listing with The Litton Group. By highlighting certain features, a seller may describe their dwelling with a positive outlook for going forward in a germ-conscious lifestyle. Take a look at these three ideas for seeing the sunny side while marketing an abode in today’s market - 

Focus on “The Great Outdoors”

Weather permitting, it does seem that people are increasing the amount of time they spend outside. From our experience, the walking trail near our place is a popular amenity for exercising antsy children, busting boredom, or curing the “just-watched-the-news” blues.

• Pointing out the ease of access to a local trail, park or green space may particularly appeal to buyers looking for fun in the fresh air. 

• The “grow your own” vibe is strong these days. Making note of the blooming flower beds or bountiful garden patch could inspire a buyer looking to dig in the dirt.

  
  

  
  

  • If the residence has a generous yard or a roomy back deck, depicting how the buyer could safely gather with a few friends may appeal to social butterflies -

  * By spacing a few tailgate chairs apart

  * By staggering a couple of round high-top tables for open-air mingling

  And, if backyard guests linger too long, the host can “accidentally” activate the sprinkler system. (Oops! I didn’t say that out loud.)

  
  

  Don’t forget mentioning if the outdoor space has child-safety enhancements or a fully enclosing fence. Those two details are a BIG plus for parents and pet owners.

  
  

  Highlight the Fabulous Flooring

  What is the flooring like from room to room? Think about the cleaning routine for what is underfoot. These days germ prevention is taking household cleaning chores up a notch and a seller will want to reassure a buyer that the quarters are a “just sanitized” level of clean - 

  
  

  • Tidying up tile floors is a breeze with the old school combo of a broom and dustpan. Then, turning on a fan is best for ventilation when mopping with a bucket of bleach and water.

  
  

  • Keeping up with hardwood flooring can be easy peasy by using a dry cloth sweeper. Opening up nearby windows can add fresh air while mopping with a pine scented cleaner.

  
  

  • Regular carpet cleaning doesn’t have to be an expensive task. Rather than buying the pricey rug shampoo, consider a DIY mix for the carpet cleaning machine. For instance, adding a little bit of laundry soap, a swish of fabric softener and a small scoop of oxiclean powder to a gallon of hot! hot! hot! water leads to a daisy fresh floor covering. Find the recipe at this link - 

  https://happymoneysaver.com/homemade-carpet-cleaning-solution/

  
  

  Having spotless floors not only disinfects a living space, it can make a manse feel even more move-in ready.

  
  

  Spotlight the Guest Suite 

  In all seriousness, if a member of the household is facing a positive coronavirus test result, finding a safe space for their recovery is crucial. 

  Looking at a spare room in a lighthearted sense, a seller could describe that space as a “sanctuary” or “refuge” - 

  
  

  • Have the sniffles or common flu? Instead of setting up camp on the living room couch, retreating to the guest quarters may keep the germs from spreading to the whole fam.

  
  

  • In need of a moment of peace away from being a referee with the children? The patience of a parent may be replenished after basking in a moment of quietude in this serene space. (Power nap optional).

  
  

  Also handy as a “distraction-free zone” for a homeschool exam or Zoom meeting, the options are plentiful when describing the guest suite.

  
  

  “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade...and try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka and have a party.” - Ron White

  
  

  Even in this season of life where we live with pandemic guidelines, we can find “feel-good” ways to market a charming chateau. By emphasizing the traits of the nest that the seller continues to enjoy, a buyer may feel at ease making the lovely listing their new home.

  
  

  Photo by Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash