Selling a house is always a big move, but selling one that’s empty? That’s a whole different ball game. Without the lived-in charm, vacant homes can be tricky to market. Sure, there’s the appeal of a blank canvas, but they also carry their own unique set of challenges. Let’s break down what you need to know about the 15 biggest mistakes to avoid when selling a vacant house.
Is it harder to sell a vacant house?
Let’s begin by addressing the elephant in the room: is it truly more challenging to sell a house that’s sitting empty? In short, it can be. While, as we mentioned, vacant homes offer potential buyers a blank slate, they can also present some hurdles.
One such complication is that without furnishings and personal touches, rooms can look stark and smaller than they actually are. Additionally, any minor flaws or imperfections become more noticeable.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. Vacant homes can sometimes raise questions about maintenance or why the house hasn’t been lived in. However, with the right strategy, these challenges can be overcome, turning potential pitfalls into selling points.
Here are the 15 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Vacant House
So, what are the biggest mistakes to avoid when selling a vacant home? Let’s dive into them now so you can be better prepared.
#1. Neglecting Maintenance
It’s a common misconception that an unoccupied house needs less attention. In reality, unchecked issues can quickly escalate in a home that’s not being looked after regularly. Whether it’s a sneaky leak, budding mold, or uninvited pests, these can all diminish the property’s value and appeal to prospective buyers. Not to mention, an overgrown lawn can signal neglect from a mile away. So, ensure regular checks and upkeep, even if no one’s residing there.
#2. Ignoring Security
Unfortunately, an empty house can be a magnet for people with bad intentions. Vandals may see it as an open canvas, squatters might consider it a temporary refuge, and thieves might believe it’s an easy target. Hence, always ensure the property is well-secured, but also go a step further if you can. Motion-activated lights can deter many, and a proper security system can provide peace of mind and prove a worthwhile investment in the long run.
#3. Not Staging the Home
When a potential buyer walks into an empty home, the initial impression can often be one of starkness. Without furnishings to provide perspective, rooms might inadvertently give off a cramped or cold feeling. However, there’s a solution to this challenge. Staging, especially in the primary rooms, offers a more comprehensive view of the home’s potential. By strategically placing furniture and decor, you’re not just filling a space; you’re guiding potential buyers through a narrative of what living there might feel like.
#4. Overpricing
Another common misconception is that a vacant home might warrant a higher asking price. Yet, this strategy can be counterproductive. Overpricing, even with the best intentions, can dissuade genuine buyers and prolong the property’s stay on the market. Instead of setting a price based on assumptions, it’s more prudent to turn to tools like comparative market analysis. This will help ensure that your pricing not only reflects the home’s value but also resonates with the current market conditions.
#5. Failing to Disclose Issues
When selling a vacant home, transparency is paramount. While it might be tempting to gloss over certain defects or problems, doing so can come back to haunt you in the form of legal complications down the line. Being upfront about any issues not only fosters trust with potential buyers but also paves the way for smoother transactions and negotiations.
#6. Skipping Professional Photos
A picture really is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to showcasing a vacant home, this couldn’t be truer. The fact is that amateur photos can often fail to capture the charm or potential of empty spaces. Alternatively, investing in a professional photographer who can accentuate the home’s best features and present it in the most flattering light becomes essential. Through their lens, they can transform the space and create compelling visuals that attract potential buyers.
#7. Letting Insurance Lapse
Maintaining coverage on your property is non-negotiable, especially when it sits vacant. But keep in mind that standard homeowner’s insurance policies may not always cover vacant properties, posing potential financial risks in the event of damages or incidents. To safeguard against this, it’s wise to review your current policy and, if necessary, transition to a specialized vacant home insurance policy. This way, you ensure continuous protection, giving both you and potential buyers peace of mind.
#8. Neglecting Curb Appeal
First impressions count, and often, they’re made right at the curb. With this, an unkempt lawn or a faded exterior can deter potential buyers before they even step foot inside. Regular maintenance, such as mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, and ensuring the home’s facade is in top shape, not only enhances its appeal but also signals care and attention to detail.
#9. Not Regularly Checking the Property
Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Whether it’s you or a trusted individual, periodic checks on the property are essential. This proactive approach helps in identifying potential issues early, be it a leaky roof or a broken window, ensuring they’re addressed promptly and don’t escalate into bigger problems.
#10. Failing to Adjust Utilities
While it’s crucial to keep utilities running for potential showings, it’s equally important to ensure efficiency. Adjusting thermostats and managing utility usage can strike a balance between presenting the home in its best light and avoiding unnecessary expenses on an empty property.
#11. Poor Marketing
A vacant home requires a strategic marketing approach, so merely listing it won’t suffice. Leveraging tools like online platforms, immersive virtual tours, and well-planned open houses can significantly amplify its reach. Furthermore, partnering with a seasoned real estate agent can offer invaluable insights and expertise, ensuring the property is showcased to its full potential and reaches the right audience.
#12. Not Being Flexible with Showings
One of the advantages of selling a vacant home is the ease of scheduling showings. After all, you have no tenant schedules or personal routines to navigate around! So, embrace this flexibility. The more accommodating you can be with potential buyers’ timings, the higher the chances of frequent and meaningful viewings. And as you know, more viewings could very well lead to faster and better offers.
#13. Ignoring Feedback
Feedback is a gift, especially when selling a property. The key here is that if there’s a recurring theme in the comments from potential buyers or their agents – perhaps about a particular room’s size or a certain design element – it’s worth taking note and, if feasible, making adjustments. Addressing genuine concerns can potentially remove barriers to sales.
#14. Avoiding Negotiation
Holding firm on your listing price can be tempting, especially if you believe your property is worth every penny. However, being even just a little flexible can go a long way. Given the added expenses of maintaining a vacant home, being open to offers and ready to negotiate can expedite the selling process. After all, a successful sale often lies in finding middle ground.
#15. Not Preparing for Inspections
Most people know that vacancy doesn’t equate to perfection. But just because the house is empty doesn’t mean there aren’t issues lurking. Be proactive and consider getting a pre-listing inspection to uncover potential problems. Being aware and prepared for any hiccups not only keeps you a step ahead but also builds trust with potential buyers.
Making the Vacant Home Selling Process Simpler
Selling a vacant house presents its own set of unique challenges, as we’ve outlined above. The seemingly endless to-dos, coupled with the concerns of marketing an empty property, can make the experience feel daunting. But what if there was a way to sidestep all these complications?
Enter our expertise as professional cash home buyers. Over the years, we’ve provided countless homeowners with a streamlined selling solution that’s both swift and straightforward. So, if the complexities of the traditional selling process feel overwhelming, we’re here as an alternative.
We can extend to you a no-obligation cash offer for your vacant home. Should you choose to accept, the entire transaction can be wrapped up in mere weeks, alleviating any continued costs or stresses associated with maintaining an empty property. What’s more, our approach is flexible; if you need more time to make a decision or handle other matters, we’re more than willing to accommodate.
The benefits? No need for staging, no worries about feedback or showings, and no stress over inspections or negotiations. Just a clear, simple, and efficient transaction.
For more information or to kickstart the selling process with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to provide you with the smoothest possible route to selling your vacant home. Ready to explore a hassle-free selling experience? Click here to reach out to us now.