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Selling a Vacant Home?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Keller Williams on the Water

Tonight I was out showing homes here in Decatur, GA and showed a vacant listing.  I had called the agent beforehand so I knew the power would be on at the house. I met my clients at the house and thankfully our new electronic keys have a built in flashlight. I used that to see to get the key in the door.

Especially if you are selling a vacant home, it would be a good idea to put a dusk to dawn attachment (It goes on at dusk and off at dawn automatically) onto your exterior light fixtures. This way at least the doorway would be lit making your home easier to show and providing a little extra security.  On the interior, put a lamp on a timer, so that while we are fumbling around looking for a light switch, we could actually see it.  It would help us while locking up too.  

Timers are inexpensive and easy to use.  Basic light timers are available for less than $10 at your local hardware store. For energy efficiency, use a compact fluorescent bulb indoors.  The compact fluorescent bulbs don't seem to do so well out in the cold.  The dusk to dawn attachment for your outside light simply screws into the light socket.  They are available for less than $5. 

With shorter daylight hours, make your home as warm and inviting as possible.  Good lighting is a great place to start.

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If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor with Success Realty serving the real estate needs of Decatur and Metro Atlanta, GA. 404-456-5024 View Intown Living Blog

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Anna Maria Island Realtor, Jen Bowman is a Broker licensed with Keller Williams on the Water in Florida. She has been featured on HGTV's My First Place, HGTV's Buying and Selling 20 Best Kept Secrets and acted as a consultant for HGTV's Property Virgins.  

She has been featured in Inman News - where real estate and technology connect.

Jen is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a member of Keller Williams Realty Luxury Home Division, catering to luxury home buyers and sellers

Jen also serves as an eEdge Technology Ambassador and Trainer for Keller Williams International.  

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Carmie Holloway
RE/MAX First - Oklahoma City, OK

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and leave a comment.  It was very thoughtful.  I appreciate your tip on purchasing timers to light the way of vacant homes.  What a great idea!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Dec 10, 2008 02:18 PM
Angie Ridley
Complete Realty, LLC - Flint, MI
Broker, ABR, CRS, PMN, WCR, At Home With Diversity

That's an excellent tip for my own home since I really never know when I wil get home.  Also, I travel a lot in the summer.

Thanks...

Dec 11, 2008 12:18 PM
Mary McGraw
GLREA - Rockford, MI
2015: Solar Energy Is Still A Simple Machine!

Hi Jen - great tips for vacant homes. Another great way to improve this would be motion sensors so the lights are only on when someone is at the door!

I'm glad to see you are recommending CFL's...so much better than incandescents!

Dec 12, 2008 10:22 AM
Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC - Hilton Head Island, SC

That's a good tip--I very seldom show homes after dark.  For some reason, it just doesn't happen in our area that much.

Dec 12, 2008 10:25 AM
Dawn Isenhower
Sibcy Cline Realtors - Milford, OH

I currently have 2 vacant listings and this is something that I just have not thought about before. Thanks for the great advice.

Dec 15, 2008 12:19 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Out here I think just have the electricity, gas, and water turned on would be useful.

Dec 19, 2008 05:58 AM
Mary Strang
Viroqua, WI

Good tips, I have started carries severalhigh beam flash lights in my car at all time. You never know anymore which listings will or will not have power... this way I have extras for the buyers too.

Dec 19, 2008 11:27 PM