Jeff Opdyke, from the Wall Street Journal muses in his June 25th column, http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/06/25/mastering-the-faux-clean-dealing-with-the-stress-of-selling-a-house that it is not easy to keep the house ready especially for those of you who work from home. I agree and I know it must be tremendously difficult to keep the kitchen clean when the Realtor calls for that last minute showing. This is an area that most sellers fret over and the only advice I can offer to sellers like Jeff is this: The Real Estate Community is invasive during the selling process and it is essential to price your home correctly from the get go so this inconvenience does not drag on too long.
As the listing agent I can help with this by screening the potential buyers. This is a delicate balance because if the buyer feels as though they are being given the third degree they will simply move on to the next property.
Daily task lists are good ideas for families on the go. One tactic I have taken with homeowners who have younger children is to have the parents create a reward system for their kids. Making beds, cleaning bathrooms etc. For each job that is well done the child receives a star. Accumulate so many stars and Mom and Dad will do something special for that child. I know it's bribery, but many of my clients have used it and it works very well. Besides everyone is working towards a common goal and the team work is great for the family. If poor Jeff is left to do everything himself then resentment builds frustrations will start to run high.
