Top 10 Reasons Not to List Your Home Until the Tenants Are Gone!

 

Messy TenantFor many home sellers, attempting to sell a tenant-occupied home can be a difficult task.  While  some tenants are exceptionally helpful and willing to do everything possible to assist you in selling your home, many of them will not.  If you are thinking of selling your tenant-occupied home, check out my top 10 reasons not to list your home until the tenants are gone.

 

  1. Tenants have no vested interest in the sale of your home.  Thus, it is of low priority to them.

 

  1. Tenant-occupied homes are NEVER "show-ready" when prospective buyers arrive.

 

  1. Buyers can be unforgiving.  If your home is not a show-place, agents must find another place to show.

 

  1. Tenants are often uncooperative with agents, which can prolong the sale of your home.  

 

  1. If showing your home is a difficult process, agents will simply move on to the next one.

 

  1. Tenants often restrict access to the property, which makes it difficult for your home to receive adequate showings.

 

  1. Tenants often restrict access to specific rooms in the house, which makes it difficult for buyers to make an informed decision.

 

  1. Tenants often refuse to leave so that prospective buyers can preview the home in private.

 

  1. Tenants often refuse access to the property for inspections.

 

  1. Tenants are always eager to share their living experience, thoughts, and opinions of the home with prospective buyers.  What will they say about your home?

 

 

Interested in buying or selling real estate in Kingstowne, Alexandria, Lorton, Woodbridge or any of the surrounding areas in northern Virginia?  Contact me for assistance!  My expertise includes first-time home buyers, home sellers, luxury homes, short sales, foreclosures, divorce, and relocation.     

 Lisa Dunham

Lisa Dunham, MBA, CDPE, ePRO 
Keller Williams Realty Alexandria / Kingstowne
703-298-6546 (Mobile) 
Lisa@LisaDunham.com
www.LisaDunham.com

 

 

 

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102 Comments on Top 10 Reasons Not to List Your Home Until the Tenants Are Gone!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
03
2011
569,544 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Lisa,  I'm laughing here,  no,  crying.  Just listed a nice duplex with a renter still in place.  He is having an " issue " with the seller.  Now the fun begins !
9:54am • #87
814,699 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Is that guy in the photo also in his jockey's as he greets visitors ???*L* I think I've encountered all of these things !!!
10:41am • #88
300,008 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Lisa, so true, you have nailed this one! The tenants, most likely are going to have to move if there is no lease in place, so it is best if they move out early in the process. The sale will go much smoother.
11:16am • #89
Outside Blog

Great advice!  Thanks for sharing!
12:59pm • #90
243,667 Points 1 Featured Post

I hate showing rented homes as 9 times out of10 it will be a mess when you take your clients through.
1:10pm • #91
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Beverly, it must be wonderful to have tenants on the opposite end of the spectrum.  I have yet to encounter that situation, but I guess there is still hope! 
2:07pm • #92
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Steve, I bet you could give me 20 ... lol :-)
2:08pm • #93
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael, I "kinda" like the ole' guy in the photo as well ... :-)
2:09pm • #94
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bob, I totally agree with you!  Thanks for the reblog!
2:11pm • #95
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Lorelei, poor you!  If your contract gets accepted you are definitely in for a ride!  Best of Luck! :-)
2:14pm • #96
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Yvette, I have yet to run across one of those clean, friendly, accommodating tenants.  If I do, I certainly will blog about the experience.
2:17pm • #97
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bill, you are funny!  Brace yourself, you are in for a long, bumpy ride!  Best of Luck!
2:18pm • #98
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Michael, I am sure he is! ... LOL!
2:19pm • #99
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Sandy!  I agree that the process will be much smoother if the tenants move out before the process gets started.  It really is the best option.
2:21pm • #100
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Joseph and thanks for stopping by!
2:23pm • #101
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nancy, ditto!  My feelings exactly....
2:24pm • #102
1,156,252 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Lisa congrats on the feature.   It is certainly a difficult task getingt a property shown with a tenant in place especially if leaving was not his or her idea.
11:24pm • #103
NOV
04
2011
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Jennifer! It certainly is a difficult task and one that can certainly jeopardize a sale for quite some time.
8:12am • #104
NOV
07
2011
1 Featured Post

In EVERY instance where I had a tenant in a home, it sold AFTER the tenant was out. It really looked better empty than occupied, less hassles, etc.
3:56pm • #105
151,947 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Carla, I agree!  Waiting for the tenants to leave would be less hectic for all.  Plus, I am sure the house will show much better just as you indicated.  Thanks for stopping by!
7:47pm • #106

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