Tips on Selling a Vacant Home

Many homeowners find themselves in a predicament when they are forced to relocate quickly for a new job or other extenuating circumstances without having time to sell their existing homes. In these cases, most owners end up purchasing a home in their new location a selling a home that is empty in their previous location.



Selling an empty house can present challenges to individuals, because a large part of a property’s appeal is viewing it when it’s properly staged. Aside from dissuading actual interest, even if there is an offer, quite often the offer is low because of the home not showing well and also because buyers often feel that because the sellers are maintaining a second household, the are anxious to sell the vacant home.

However, there are ways to overcome this obstacle and have a successful home showing.

Rent Furniture
The most immediate solution to an empty home is renting furniture sets to spruce up a home. Traditional staging rules should still be adhered to, and individuals should seek out furniture color palettes and accent pieces that are warm and neutral. Consumers do not have to break the bank to purchase extensive sets. Instead, a basic dining room set, a living room suite and bedroom set should suffice. In addition, consumers can borrow accent pieces from friends and family members to add more color and character to the home. Lastly, bringing small appliances, pictures and warm touches from their new home allows sellers to make the house feel more welcoming and family-oriented.

Clean and Update Thoroughly
A clean home is crucial for any sale, but it can be even more imperative for empty houses. Dust on the floors, dirty windows and grime on countertops will be even more visible to potential buyers because there are fewer objects around to distract them or cover up imperfections. Pressure wash carpets, clean windows, wash walls and make sure corners, vents and ceiling fans are dust-free before a showing.

In addition, sellers may want to take advantage of the empty space and repaint walls or put in new floors to make the area appear more modern and fresh
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Don’t Ignore the Outdoors
Sellers should avoid getting too caught up with the interior of the home and pay equal attention to the exterior. Curb appeal is important in selling a home, and the landscaping and condition of the house is the first thing buyers will see when they pull up to a property. Keep grass trimmed, plant a few flower beds and make sure the home itself has been touched up to keep the outside profile looking neat.

For a free market evaluation of your home or to discuss local real estate conditions, please contact me today!