Tips for selling a vacant home
You've moved out, and so has your furniture, but your house is on the market. Although a vacant house presents certain challenges, it does not need to be difficult to sell. Your Prudential Santa Fe real estate agent can help with simple, cost-effective ideas that can help buyers connect with your property.
Give the house a lived-in look. Set a couple of lamps on timers. Even if you've forwarded your mail, it's a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check on the house daily to take in any advertising flyers or other materials. Park a car in the driveway, and close and open drapes and windows. Continue using a gardening service to keep plants maintained.
Touch up or repaint. Furniture, rugs and decorations tend to hide or minimize imperfections. When furniture and artwork have been removed, every blemish and bruise becomes accentuated, faded paint becomes more noticeable and scratches and nicks stand out. Consider repainting brightly and boldly colored rooms to a neutral tone. What was an eye-popping room when fully furnished may appear stark and small when empty.
Leave the utilities connected. Depending on the season, make sure the thermostat in the house is set at a comfortable level. You don't want a potential buyer to rush through the home because it is too hot or cold.
Leave behind a few select pieces of furniture and keep the window treatments in place. Instead of producing a spacious appearance, an empty room tends to look smaller than a furnished room. A chair or lamp on a small table will confer a sense of scale and help potential buyers gauge whether their furniture will fit the space. Dining rooms, especially, appeal to buyers if they can see where the table goes!
Review your homeowner's insurance policy with your insurance agent to find out what the stipulations and coverage are for your vacant home.
Consider employing a house sitter. Having someone living on site discourages vandalism, protects against deterioration and weather hazards and may even reduce insurance costs. Using a service of this kind may help you sell the house faster and at a better price, while relieving you of property management duties. Your Prudential Santa Fe real estate agent can help you find a professional house sitter.
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