
According to John Lennon, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." In a perfect world, the sale of your current home would coincide with the timetable for your move, but circumstances don't always cooperate. Our real estate agents share their top six tips for selling a vacant home after you've already relocated.
- Notify the Neighbors
Explain to your neighbors that you'll be moving, but your vacant home will still be up for sale. Most people will be happy to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and contact the authorities if they notice anything amiss. If your community has a formal neighborhood watch organization, share the information with group leaders as well.
- Stage Your Home Strategically
Staging a home helps maximize space and emphasize features of particular interest. As a result, staging often means less time on the market and a higher selling price. Another benefit is it tricks potential intruders into thinking the home is occupied, especially if you leave lights, TVs and radios on a timer.
- Maintain Exterior and Yard Care
An overgrown lawn or peeling shutters make a house look abandoned. Make sure the exterior of your home is in good repair and the yard receives regular tending, whether DIY or from a commercial service. In addition to making the home look lived-in, these steps improve curb appeal and make it more attractive to buyers.
- Secure Doors and Windows
It's easier than you may think to leave a door or window open, especially during the controlled chaos of moving. Set an alarm on your phone, reminding you to double-check all entry points before closing up the home. If any locks are defective, they should be repaired immediately. You may want to consider installing a security system, which would be an additional selling point.
- Control the Climate
If you leave your home at ambient temperature, it could easily end up too hot or cold for a buyer, causing them to leave without a full viewing. Keep the thermostat at a comfortable level so even impromptu visitors won't be turned off. A moderate temperature also prevents musty odors, frozen pipes, and other related problems.
- Hire a Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents have experience selling homes under all types of conditions, and they'll be able to advise you on the best ways to market your vacant home for a quick sale at top dollar. A reliable agent is also a valuable pair of eyes on your home, watching for signs of damage or trespassing.
Whether or not your home is vacant, our professional real estate agents provide knowledgeable assistance through every step of the home-selling process. Contact us at Counselor Realty for more information about getting started.