7 Things You Should Remove Before Selling Your Home (Unless You Want Buyers to Run!)

So, you’re selling your home. Congrats! Time to cash in on your investment, move on to your next adventure, and say goodbye to that quirky neighbor who insists on mowing their lawn at 6 a.m. on Saturdays.

But before you pop the bubbly and stick a "For Sale" sign in the yard, we need to have a little chat. Because nothing kills a sale faster than a home that screams, "I’m not ready!" And trust me, buyers can smell desperation, clutter, and weird vibes from a mile away.

Let’s talk about the 7 things you absolutely MUST remove before selling your home if you want buyers to stop scrolling Zillow and start making offers. This list isn’t just about staging—it’s about strategy, psychology, and yes, a little common sense.

Would you like to know the current value of your home?

1. YOU (Yes, You Need to Go)

I know, I know. You LOVE your home. You want to be there to tell buyers about the custom pantry shelves, the new water heater, and how the neighbor’s dog only barks on Tuesdays. But here’s the deal: Buyers don’t want you there.

Imagine trying to try on clothes while the store owner stands in the dressing room with you, commenting on how well the pants fit. Cringe, right? That’s how buyers feel when you’re hovering during showings.

They want to peek in closets, talk openly with their agent, and imagine themselves living there—not worry about hurting your feelings when they say the kitchen needs updating. So do yourself a favor: grab a coffee, run errands, or take a long walk. Just leave. Your sale price will thank you.

2. Personal Photos & Identifying Items

You’re proud of your family, your vacation to Maui, and that "Employee of the Month" award from 2015. But buyers? They don’t need to see any of it. In fact, your personal items are doing more harm than good.

Why?

First, safety. When strangers walk through your home, you don’t want to advertise your full name, your kids’ school, or your favorite vacation spots. Identity theft and home "casing" (yes, it’s a thing) are real risks.

Second, buyers need to picture themselves living in your home, not feel like they’re trespassing in yours. Personal photos, diplomas, and awards break that mental connection. Think of your home as a blank canvas—make it easy for buyers to paint their own picture.

Pro tip: Pack up the photos, kids’ artwork, and personalized decor. Replace them with neutral art or mirrors to open up the space and reflect more light. Boom. Buyer-friendly.

3. Valuables, Prescription Drugs & Weapons

Not everyone who comes to a showing is a serious buyer. Some folks are just curious. Others? They’re opportunists. And when you leave valuables lying around, you’re rolling out the red carpet for sticky fingers.

Prescription meds are one of the most stolen items during showings. Small, easy to grab, and valuable. Lock them up or take them with you. Same goes for jewelry, cash, rare collectibles, and yes, even loose change. If it can fit in a pocket, it can disappear.

Weapons? Even decorative ones can make buyers uneasy. A locked gun safe in plain sight might be secure, but it still sends a message. Remove all firearms, knives, or any items that scream "danger" and tuck them safely out of sight.

Remember: If buyers feel unsafe, they’re not sticking around to make an offer.

4. Signs of Desperation

Desperation is not attractive in dating or in real estate.

If your listing says "MOTIVATED SELLER!" in giant red letters, you might as well add "LOWBALL ME!" Buyers will sense blood in the water and come circling with the lowest offers possible.

Other signs of desperation:

• Multiple price drops in a short period

• An empty house that screams "we already moved"

• Personal documents left out showing foreclosure notices or divorce papers

Here’s the deal: You do NOT have to disclose hardship unless it directly affects the sale. But if buyers sniff it out, they’ll use it against you. Keep things private, price your home properly, and let your agent handle negotiations strategically.

5. Bills & Personal Documents

Your electric bill is not part of the home tour. Neither is your mortgage statement, tax return, or that overdue credit card notice.

Leaving personal paperwork out in the open is a security risk and a negotiation disaster. Identity thieves love this stuff. So do buyers looking for leverage. A bill marked "PAST DUE" in bold red letters? That tells buyers you might be desperate. And desperate sellers get lowball offers.

Before any showing, do a sweep:

• Remove mail, bills, and personal paperwork

• Lock away bank statements, medical info, and legal documents

• Hide anything with your name, address, or financial info

Out of sight = out of mind = fewer problems.

6. Pets (and All Evidence of Them)

I love animals. You love animals. But not all buyers do. Some have allergies. Some have phobias. Some just don’t want to see (or smell) evidence of your furry friends.

Before every showing:

• Remove pet bowls, beds, and litter boxes

• Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery

• Open windows to air out any lingering pet odors

And the big one: Relocate your pets during showings. Not only do they distract buyers, but barking dogs or curious cats can turn a positive showing into a chaotic mess.

Buyers need to focus on your home’s features, not dodge pet toys or wonder if that smell will ever come out of the carpet.

7. Security Cameras (and WA State Law!)

Let’s talk legal. In Washington State, it’s illegal to record conversations without consent. That means your Ring doorbell or indoor security cameras that record audio during a showing? They could land you in hot water.

Even if you only want to "listen in" on feedback, it’s a legal no-no. And it creeps buyers out. Nobody wants to feel watched while they’re trying to decide if the primary bathroom is big enough.

Solution?

• Disable audio recording on all devices before showings

• Better yet, turn off cameras entirely or use signage to notify buyers (though that still won’t make the eavesdropping legal)

Respect privacy, follow the law, and focus on selling your home the right way.

Sell Smart, Not Desperate

Selling your home is part strategy, part psychology, and a lot of presentation. By removing these 7 things, you’re setting yourself up for faster offers, higher sale prices, and fewer "yikes" moments.

Buyers want to see themselves in the home—not your life, your pets, or your overdue bills. Keep it clean, neutral, and free of distractions.

Need help getting your home ready for sale? I’m here to help with expert advice, top-notch marketing, and a sprinkle of humor to keep things fun.

Let’s get your home SOLD—without the drama.