Preparing an unoccupied property for the market is different from arranging one currently being lived in. Maybe your home didn’t sell quickly enough, and you couldn’t pass up on the perfect place you found! Or maybe you owned several properties and had a tenant move out unexpectedly or have acquired a newly built house.
Whatever the reason may be, if you find yourself with a vacant home on your hands that you need to sell, these tips will help you do it successfully!
Set Up Security
The for-sale sign outside your vacant property signals an opportunity for burglars to act. Make sure you take the appropriate measures to keep the property safe and protected. Alert local authorities and ask them to make a note of your vacant home. This way, they’ll recognize any strange activity and can even schedule a drive-by every so often. It’s also a good idea to inform your old neighbors that your house will be unoccupied for some time, so they can be attentive and check in with an extra key.
Maintain the Landscape
Don’t let the exterior of your vacant home fall to the wayside! Occupied or not, the outside of a home is the first impression buyers get of the space—make sure it doesn’t look neglected and unkempt. Boost curb appeal by mowing the lawn frequently and maintaining the front and back yards. Trim the shrubbery and sculpt the garden and other greenery surrounding the property. A nice set of porch furniture and a welcome mat also adds a charming touch.
Make it Look Occupied
The best way to entice buyers is to stage your vacant home so it looks lived in. It’s difficult for people to envision themselves living in an empty space. You need to give their imagination something to work with and show off the best assets of each room. The most efficient and cost-effective option is to have a professional staging company come in to make the place look inviting to potential buyers.
There are also a few small things you can do to make your home look occupied in addition to home staging. Keep the lights on or put them on a timer to give the impression that the house is being used. Don’t forget to grab the newspaper and mail every few days so it doesn’t build up, create clutter, and signal an easy target for burglars.
At Red House Staging & Interiors, we offer several home staging services to fit the needs of every size and style of property, whether it’s a vacant home or a full house. Contact us today at (202)257-2072 to learn more about our budget-friendly and high-end services and watch your property fly off the market in no time!