There are tons of vacant listings in our local MLS. I am sure lots of listing agents talk to their sellers about the benefits of great presentation when a home is listed for sale. There may be some agents who shy away from mentioning staging because they've heard it costs too much. They don't want the seller to start worrying about cutting into the bottom line.

The truth is, if a property doesn't show as well as competing properties it is likely to sit on the market a little longer. I've also heard from my staging friends that staging a vacant home isn't always cost prohibitive. But if the expense is absolutely unaffordable there is another option.

Home Tending is a great way to not only stage a vacant listing, but also help relieve the sellers of some of the carrying costs. A home tending company is an occupied staging service that places pre-screened home tenders in vacant listings to stage and maintain the homes until they are sold. Home Tenders must pass a background screening very much like that conducted for tenants. The home tender must have attractive furnishings and a stylish decor.

Once the home tender is placed, they will pay all utilities, maintain the lawn, and keep the home in showing condition at all times. Having a home tender in the property also offers a deterent to theft, vandalism and unauthorized occupancy. It reduces the risk of having insurance premiums increased or even policy cancellation due to the home being left vacant by the home owner.

I have seen instances in which homes that sat on the market for 8 months to almost 2 years have received offers in 20 to 60 days after staging and home tender placement.

So, when staging isn't in the budget suggest home tending. It can save your seller money in carrying costs and help bring in offers sooner than later.

If you are in the Houston area visit Turnkey Home Tenders website for information about home tending. In other areas, simply Google "home tending" or "home tenders" to find a service near you.