tandem designs

This post is inspired by a recent visit to one of my very favorite baby boutiques here in Austin called Baby Coco. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by this charming little shop that harbors sweet organic duds for your little bud as well as beautiful furniture and chic diaper bags.

But I digress…

Preparing a home for sale will inevitably mean that your child’s room will be part of that process. I have seen some of the most beautifully customized children’s rooms as a Realtor and know it must be so difficult for home owners to part with (or even paint over) customized paint schemes and murals.

While this process can be hard to initiate, it is recommended that pastel or brightly colored walls and murals be painted a muted neutral shade.

Children often have lots of small things: stuffed animals, art accessories, books, etc. Consider involving your child in the packing process and seize the opportunity to weed through things in their room and hand down or donate toys and books they no longer use. Pack away at least 2/3 of items on bookshelves and desktops and only leave out things used regularly. (See the before and after photos courtesy of a fellow ASP).

If you find the task exceptionally difficult, consider your long term goals:
- Do you really want to sell your house?
- Are you willing to part with your home emotionally so that it can be a competitive product (a house) like the other comparable properties in your area?
- Are you willing to make short term commitments that will help you reach your long term goals?

Also consider that a customized child’s room will make it difficult for a potential buyer to view the room as the office he or she may be looking to find space for. It’s a common fact that buyer’s know what they see, not the way it’s going to be.

Remember after all, that home is where the heart is and you’re taking your heart with you when you leave.