Hello
I have had my house on the market for just about three months now. I have read that I should get rid of as much clutter as possible. I have read conflicting opionions that I should take down all pictures and personal items but I have also read that having some personal pictures up gives the home a warmer feel??? What do you think? Does it really matter that much? Should I take down all pictures??

I would suggest taking down some of the photos, trophys, do-dads, knick-knacks, what-nots, collectables, and any other items that could be a distraction to potential buyers.

I show houses routinely with so many grandkid photos, sports trophys, collections of whatever, etc. that buyers get distracted admiring people's "stuff" and forget they're there to look at the house.

You can visit my website: www.KnoxvilleMLS.com and click the "Selling" link for "40 Free or inexpensive tips can make your home show better, sell faster, and put more money in your pocket at closing."

In my experience the more of these items you do the faster your home will sell and for more money in your pocket.

By the place meaning warm they are meaning lived in.This means having warm colors a throw on the chair,the fire going if it's winter.You want it to look lived in with placement of furniture,but not cluttered because you are selling space and square footage.

I disagree with having family photos up and art on the refrigerator.

Having those things packed away tells the buyer you are not emotionally attatched to the home and are moving on.This helps the buyer to envision there lives there and not yours.

jmho

Think - model home, tastefully decorated and clean
(even the windows.)

Less is better---

ky realtor no disrepect intented but I have to copy you on this

"Less is better---"

That is one of my general rules as well.

I will add that watch your buyers. If they stop and look at anything, anything at all then get rid of it. You want their attention on the product not your things. In this case the product is your home.

Thanks for the replies. I didnt have to many pictures up just a few on the wall. I took them down except for the ones in the stairway because once i take them down I will probably have to repaint that wall

As for anything that buyers look at that is distracting...every single person that comes in talks to me about my dining room table and where I got it! I dont think I can take that out!!

I just got my real estate license in MA and will be utilizing these boards as I get up and running...thanks!!

I think a table cloth might work.

In my experience, people generally have one of two reactions to excessive decoration/clutter:
1. they really do get distracted by other people's things and then need to visit the property again to form an accurate opinion.
2. they make their decision based quite of bit on their (positive/negative) impression of the personal items.

Keep your place simple and clean. Find ways to display the structural features of the house instead of displaying the photos.