Vacant versus Staged or Occupied
Selling your home when vacant, staged or occupied are three very different scenarios! Each has pros and cons which should be carefully considered by any seller. Read on for some of our thoughts.
The Positives of Selling a Vacant Home
There are several pluses to selling a vacant home.
- A vacant home is easy for agents to show (typically, showings go up dramatically)
- You don’t have to constantly be cleaning: clean once, and then maintain
- You don’t get inconvenienced when agents want to show your home
- Some buyers have an easier time visualizing in an empty space
The Negatives of Selling a Vacant Home
- Vacant homes feel vacant . . . not as warm and cozy
- Vacant homes occasionally attract crime
- Vacant homes are sometimes neglected by agents or buyers
- Vacant houses can signal urgency, thus lowering any offers
- Vacant homes might require special insurance
Positives of Selling an Occupied Home
- Your home won’t be as attractive to criminals
- Occupied homes sometimes show better . . . if tasteful and uncluttered
- It’s easier to handle emergencies if there’s a problem at the house
- You don’t have to pay utilities at two separate residences
Negatives of Selling an Occupied Home
- Your home must be kept clean and straightened up at all times
- Pets can cause problems if left behind, or must be removed for showings
- Hoarding or any other issues cannot be hidden
- Buyers may spend more time looking at your contents than at your house
- You have to leave for showings
- Agents and buyers can show up without an appointment
Selling a Staged Home
A staged home (where you have already moved but your home is furnished and minimally decorated) has most of the pros, and only few of the cons of a vacant or occupied house. This is our most highly recommended option, if at all possible. The money you spend on staging can easily come back to you in sales price, if done right. Further, we believe staging minimizes days-on-market in many instances. That can also minimize your holding costs.
Tips For Selling a Vacant Home
If you do decide to sell your home vacant, consider these tips:
- Let your neighbors and friends know you’re selling and are no longer there
- Make sure all lights are on for all showings
- Don’t allow exterior maintenance to slip . . . exterior is the first impression
- Keep your home moderately cool or warm . . . .interior temperature extremes can cause many different issues and negative perceptions
- Be very conscious of “vacant home” odors and make sure to manage this without overuse of deodorizers