What If You Must Move and Leave That Vacant Home Behind

It is no secret that housing markets are cyclic in nature.  However, this current cycle, more than any other I’ve experienced as a Realtor these past 30 years, has produced a larger percentage of vacant properties listed For Sale.  It's not only REO or bank owned properties; nor is it the number of short-sales marketed.  There are also folks who must move for employment reasons or other opportunities. A decision is made to leave an existing home behind.

Vacant homes often sell slowly, and for less money than a like property, which is well furnished, real estate professionals say.  That's because many folks buy on emotion and have a hard time warming up to an empty house.  A lived-in home can be much more appealing.  There is often an echo when you walk through empty houses, and odors can accumulate because doors and windows aren't opened to allow air to circulate.  So, you are marketing a vacant home, what can you do to create an edge from all other vacant properties listed For Sale? (1) Leave draperies and window coverings on the windows when you move.  In most cases they will not fit your new home anyway.  And leaving them in place, helps to muffle the echo heard in vacant houses. (2) Deep clean and paint the house.  When homeowners move, they take pictures and move furniture to take with them.  This usually leaves discolorations on the walls, and flaws not previously noticed are now visible.  Paint is inexpensive, and often pays dividends in sales price.  Use neutral colors, which will go with furniture, prospective homebuyers may have. (3) Light fixtures should be left throughout the house.  Lighting helps the house seem more welcoming.  If you have 60 watt bulbs in the fixtures, consider increasing the watts to 75 or even 100, if the lamp or fixture will accommodate it.  Rooms seem larger and warmer with more light.  (4) If you can leave some of your furniture behind, it is worth doing.  Make certain it is of reasonably good quality, and not old furniture you were planning on hauling off to the dumps.  Furniture in a marketed home can help a homebuyer put things in perspective.  Furniture provides an element of scale to a room.  (5) Consider a Home Staging service, or furniture rental.  If you don't have enough furniture for your new home and this existing home you re selling, staging or furniture rental can make a great difference. (6) Only rent out your vacant home if you have no financial recourse, but to do so.  Generally typical tenants do not keep houses in "show-to-sell" condition, nor are they always the most cooperative in allowing access for showings.  If you are selling a vacant home, be certain to communicate with your real estate professional about other tips to selling your home!  And Good Luck to YOU!

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