7 Tips on Selling an Empty House.

Selling a home is a stressful process, but it can be even more intense if the seller (you!) no longer live on the property.

What makes selling a vacant house so much more stressful? 
An empty property is a vulnerable target if you don’t look at some things that you can do so the property doesn’t appear to be so obviously empty...

This also means that sellers have to take extra caution to ensure that the home remains in the best possible condition while marketing the property.

Here are 7 pretty handy tips that one can use in order to make sure that selling an empty house goes smoothly:

Tip No.1: Speak to the neighbours
Inform the neighbours that your home is empty and up for sale, and make sure that they have your contact details.
If you live in a neighbourhood that makes use of community watch or patrols, you can inform them that the house is empty as well.
Perhaps requesting that the real estate agent who’s marketing the property checks in on the house from time-to-time is also a good idea.

Tip No.2: Timers on lights
Without undergoing a massive home improvement project, sometimes a great security feature is simply to add timers to the lights so that they automatically turn on in the evenings.
It will give the idea that there’s someone at home and it will conserve energy during the day. There should be enough lighting for the inside and outside of your home. Consider 
investing in motion sensors for your exterior lights.

Tip No.3: Install a security system
If your home does not have a security system then it would be a good idea to have one installed. It will keep the home safe and increase its value.
Security is a determining factor in the home buying process, so this can make buyers more likely to view your home in a positive light.

Tip No.4: Stage the home
A bare home looks less attractive to buyers, so an empty house doesn’t necessarily have to be completely empty. Buyers will want photos of the interior, so make sure that you take them before packing up the furniture.
Alternatively, you can discuss the option of staging your home with the real estate agent to make sure the house looks at its best for interested home buyers!
It would also be a good idea to keep a few small furniture pieces inside so it creates the impression that people still live there. 

Tip No.5: Secure entrances
Securing entrances goes further than just locking the door: it means that you have to close the windows properly and bolt any glass doors.
Pay close attention to any area in the home that might be easily accessible from the outside, such as garden access points, and invest in deadbolts for the doors.

Tip No.6: Don’t leave mail or newspapers outside
Piles of mail on the outside of the home is a dead giveaway that no one is home.
Make sure that someone collects your mail on a very regular basis. Remember to also inform companies to divert your mail to your new address – this will eliminate the chances of your mailbox overflowing.

Tip No.7: Maintain the home’s exterior
An uncut lawn is another sign that no one is home. Even though no one is living there, make sure that the section is maintained. This will also enhance the street appeal which will be more attractive to potential buyers.

I’m here to help. So if you’re thinking of selling your home, I have a real passion for selling Real Estate, as well as marketing & coffee!. I’d love to share my expertise! 

Get in touch any time - 021 606 460 or paul.sumich@harcourts.co.nz

Cheers,

Paul