Selling your current home is often one of the biggest obstacles for people considering a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or life plan community. In our Consumer Survey, more than one in three respondents said “putting off dealing with all my stuff / hassle of moving” was a main reason for delaying a move to a CCRC. That share rises to over 50 percent among those aged 81 and older.
There’s no denying that selling a home and moving are major items on the CCRC checklist. Financial implications from the sale commonly affect how and when you can move, and long-term residents frequently have strong emotional ties to their homes. Preparing a house for sale and keeping it show-ready while it’s on the market can be stressful.
For most people, however, selling the house is a necessary step in the CCRC transition. Proceeds from the sale are typically used to pay the community’s entry fee. If the house doesn’t sell quickly, some buyers obtain a bridge loan to cover the entry fee so they can move into the community as planned.
Benefits of staging your home
Although selling a house isn’t always simple, effective staging can make a big difference. A National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey found that many buyer’s agents believe proper staging improves buyers’ impressions of a home. Most realtors also say staging helps buyers imagine the property as their own.
The NAR survey reports additional advantages: staged homes often sell for a higher price—typically between 1 and 5 percent more—and they generally spend fewer days on the market than unstaged homes.
Staging tips to sell your house
Pricing your home correctly for your market is essential, but staging can help your house sell faster and for more money. Below are practical, low-cost, low-effort staging strategies that make a property more appealing to prospective buyers.
Curb appeal
First impressions begin at the curb. Keep house numbers visible, mow the lawn, plant fresh flowers, and trim shrubs. Power-wash siding and walkways if needed and clean windows so the exterior looks well cared for. If you lack the time or ability, hire a lawn service to maintain the yard.
On the porch or at the front door, sweep away debris and cobwebs, place a clean welcome mat, and add potted flowers. If you have a porch, arrange a couple of pieces of outdoor furniture to create a warm, inviting entry point.
Declutter
Downsizing is often part of preparing for a CCRC move, and decluttering before listing is essential. Sort possessions into Keep, Sell, Donate, or Trash piles. If you’re unsure about an item, temporarily put it in Keep.
Removing excess furniture and belongings makes rooms appear larger and more attractive to buyers. Put away personal photos and memorabilia so prospective buyers can visualize themselves in the space. Also tidy workspaces and clear counters to create a clean, open impression.
Clean
A spotless home shows pride of ownership and helps buyers focus on the property itself. Living in the home while it’s on the market can make this challenging, but aim to keep floors swept or vacuumed, countertops clear, and bathrooms neat. Store dirty laundry in hampers and empty trash frequently to avoid unpleasant odors or clutter.
If maintaining that level of cleanliness is difficult, consider hiring a cleaning service to ensure the home is always presentable for showings.
Special touches
Small details create a welcoming atmosphere. Fresh flowers or houseplants bring life to rooms. Decorative pillows, a bowl of fruit on the counter, neatly folded towels in the bathroom, and flameless candles on a mantel all add warmth without being personal or distracting.
Set the scene
Allow natural light in by opening blinds and turning on lamps to create a warm glow. Set the dining table with simple place settings to help buyers imagine everyday living. The living room is particularly important to stage well—consider removing or renting furniture to achieve a balanced layout.
“Floating” furniture, where sofas and chairs are arranged away from the walls, can make a room feel more inviting. Use an area rug to anchor seating areas and define spaces, even when carpeting is present.
Show ready
Staging helps buyers picture themselves living in your house and can lead to a higher sale price and a shorter time on the market. A realtor can walk through your home and recommend which staging steps will have the most impact. You might also consider a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a realtor trained to address the specific needs of older clients who are buying, selling, or refinancing.
Selling a long-loved home can be bittersweet. As a keepsake, consider commissioning a professional photo or painting of your house before it sells. A framed image can be a meaningful memento to display in your new residence and a comforting reminder of the place you called home.