 There’s nothing quite as frustrating as trying to sell a perfectly good house in a market with lots of competition, especially if you’ve already moved out and it’s sitting empty. It might even be the home with all the "right" prerequisites that today’s buyers want: a great neighborhood with a central location, award-winning school district, lots of activities nearby and a competitive asking price. But in a market where buyers are taking their time selecting a home, this ideal house may not be moving the way it would have in the past.
The problem arises when prospective buyers see the home vacant and the yard a tad overgrown — and automatically dismiss it as unsuitable. Let’s face it: a home that is "lived-in" and furnished is much warmer than one that looks bare and blemished when it’s empty — and much more appealing to potential buyers. And all the little "idiosyncrasies" that weren’t visible with furnishings are now sticking out like sore thumbs. But the good news is that selling a vacant home isn’t an impossible task, especially if you follow these pointers:
- Remember first impressions. Regardless of whether your home is vacant or not, its appeal from the street is crucial in making a positive impact with potential buyers. Buyers tend to judge homes by cost and "move-in" quality: the less they have to do to move in, the better — and the more they are willing to pay. A home that looks like it needs a lot of work will cause the buyer to make a lower offer or none at all.
- Paint or fix up the front entrance. If you have a lawn, keep it mowed. Hire a neighborhood teen or local landscape service to keep it maintained. If you have an automated irrigation or sprinkler system, leave it on, or ask a neighbor to water for you. This is especially crucial during Texas’ scorching summers.
- Be sure you or someone you hire keeps leaves cleaned up, too. Be sure that driveways and entrances are kept clear of debris.
- Spruce up landscaping before you leave. Plant some new shrubs, lay down some fresh ground cover, or brighten it up with some colorful annuals.
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