Underwear on the Floor and the 20 Minute Countdown

So you're planning on listing your house. Big decision made...now on to the fun part. Let's say you have already decluttered, put away every bit of personal paraphernalia..and no longer recognize your own home. Now it's time for the showings.

While that may seem to be an easy feat...and for some it truly is (beacause I think they actually live in some altered state...or universe...where their homes actually look like show pieces everyday). Just lock the door, walk away and presto! Presenting...Your Home!

Let's assume though...just for a minute...that you have daytime commitments...like a job...a child(or 6)...someone who needs your care...your health regimen at the gym...phone calls, doctors appointments...you get the picture. And now, you face the very real challenge of having to have guests to your house. Guests...who called 20 minutes ago and are on their way to your door. Guests who will be looking at every nook and cranny of your house. Not to mention, guests who may even open a drawer or look in a closet. Yikes! That's worse than Aunt Ethel who can't see the back of your fridge when she visits and who has things fall out on her everytime she opens a closet. (I don't have an aunt Ethel...but these can be daily occurences at my house, less so now that my boys are in university, so I'm using Ethel for more visual fun). To top it all off...you have to actually leave your home for a few minutes while they examine it under their little buyers' microscopes. Did I say minutes? No, no no! It could potentially be hours! What!!! More guests are coming...you can't return home? You havent eaten in hours, you have to drive around town with your dog and your children in the car?! Such is the plight of the Seller who is having multiple showings on their home...or even just one. 

This brings me to the underwear on the floor story. A wonderful client who did once leave their pantaloons on the floor. Mortified is a good descriptive here. They returned home to find their significant other had left this little surprise on the floor when they made their hasty getaway to make room for an eager buyer. What were they thinking?! How could they?! Ahhh...this brings us to the 20 minute rule!

A good idea while selling is to always try to keep you home ready...at the drop of a hat...for that ever so unexpecting showing. This might translate into completely different habits. But be assured, it's only for a time, for a short season (if all goes according to plan). You may actually enjoy this mind clearing exercise in minimalism. And the best part is....yep...you knew this was coming...the small item of clothes left out for all to see...well...the house sold, to that same buyer! They overlooked that small imperfection! You see...perfection is probaly not attainable, but a well cared for, cleaned up, decluttered home, will outshine the little "blips". After all... we all have them! And some of us...more than others.

Excuse me while I step over my laundry on the way to my office!