Professional home stagers often use the phrase "move-in condition." They use it as a way of describing the condition you should strive for when preparing your house for sale. Most sellers need more detailed information on the subject to really understand it fully.
Move-in condition is a phrase commonly used in realty ads.
To a buyer this phrase tells them they can move into this house on a Friday, put their belongings away over the weekend and go to work on Monday settled into their new home.
What does it mean and how does it apply to your house?
Move-in condition means:
- there is no deferred maintenance. The taps do not drip. The heating and cooling system is in good condition. Doors and their hardware work and do not bind. There are no maintenance issues.
- large items like roofing, furnace, air conditioner, flooring and windows do not need to be replaced in the near future.
- the house does not require painting inside or out until the buyer is ready to make the changes they envision. The envelope is neutral so their furnishings look good. There are no marks or chips in the paint.
- the kitchen has been renovated or updated. The buyer can see themselves using the kitchen without making changes.
- the bathrooms have been renovated or updated. Again, the buyer feels they are ready for use.
- the flooring is in good shape and does not require replacing.
- the house is clean. The kitchen and bathrooms are sparkling. The carpeting and tile is shampooed and stain free. The appliances are clean inside and out.
- the yard maintenance has been kept up.
It can be hard to look at your home with an objective eye. You have many memories that colour your view. What you have learned to live with may put off your buyer.
A home Stager or Realtor can look at your home with the eyes of a buyer and help you decide what needs to be done. These professionals can make sure your time and money is spent wisely to get the best ROI.
Is your home in move-in condition?
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Thanks for sharing. We always learn a lot from Active Rain post. Best Regards,
Edward & Celia: Thanks for commenting, I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
Hi Sharon,
Good choice for a re-blog: I have bookmarked as I hadn't seen this one.
Based on my experience as a buyer and a home stager, so few houses are really move in ready. There are limitless opportunities awaiting our guidance.
Great post with lots of excellent information. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon, these are great points, we all know that homeowners ask our opinion on such topics, however they don't always like what we hired to tell them...
Hi, Sharon. What's "move in condition" to some may not be to others, as this post points out. I have a hard time with specifying that a home will be left "broom clean," too, because it's so subjective. Having a professional home stager make the determination and educate the seller sounds good to me!
Sharon: I like that: "limitless opportunities awaiting our guidance." Thank you.
Wanda: Thank you!
Gerry: I think it is safe to say that most of the time they don't like what we have to say.
Leslie: It's such a nice surprise when someone meets our expectations, but it is not a common occurrence.
I've never thought about having to explain what move-in condition is, but I like this concept a lot. I think it would help buyers see that staging is not trying to fool them or cover anything up, it's a real benefit for them.
Cathy: I've used the expression often and never thought it needed explanation either. Janice did a great job at defining the term for sellers and at reminding stagers that we have to be very specific when we explain staging.
It is hard for anyone to see their home "objectively" as this points out....in fact, I've helped 2 stagers "stage" their homes for sale. Why....they knew they needed that unbiased view which I thought was very wise!!
Sharon: Thanks for reblogging this as I missed the initial one and the tips are perfect!
Kathy: Good point, even stagers need some outside eyes to be objective and see beyond emotional ties. Thanks for sharing!
Debra: Janice knows her business! Her posts are very informative and well written.
Morning Sharon, I missed Janice's post, I'll pop over to her to her blog. Move in condition hummm...it should be clear but as we know what it means to a seller and buyer can be a big leap!
Cynthia: So true! One seller's move-in condition just might be one buyer's fixer upper!