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8 Sure-Fire Strategies for Selling a Vacant Property

Think of a house as a theatrical stage. When it's not being used and is void of props and scenery, it lacks interest and rarely warrants a second glance. However, after the set designers have worked their magic, the space comes alive and sets a “scene” for the onlookers. Whether enticing, energizing, or relaxing, the ultimate goal is to elicit an emotional reaction and connection to that particular space.

The same applies to homes that are on the market. Without furnishings, many houses lack interest and buyers have difficulty imagining how the space would look furnished, not to mention picturing themselves living there.

Due to job transfers, divorce, tenants vacating, or a distant move, it’s not always feasible (or economical) to keep a home furnished when it goes on the market. So here are some simple ways to improve the marketability of a vacant property and increase the chances of a swift sale:

1. Curb Appeal: Buyers like to drive by prospective properties and many won’t make an appointment to see the inside if curb appeal is lacking. Have a plan for keeping the lawn mowed, shrubbery trimmed, flower beds weeded, and gutters and windows cleaned. Also, eliminate any items left behind in the yard that aren't included with the house or that make the property appear unkempt.
2. Odors: Potential buyers are often greeted with a blast of stale or mildew-ladened air when they enter a vacant house. Deal with the mildew before the house is listed. Leaving the heat or air conditioning running while the house is on the market helps to reduce odors. It also makes the house more inviting and comfortable to be shown when the temperatures are extreme.
3. Cleanliness: Houses that remains vacant and unsold for any length of time will need periodic cleaning. Dust, cobwebs, and bugs tend to take over if routine cleaning isn’t maintained. Some buyers get the impression that a house will require repairs if it looks dirty, cluttered, or abandoned—which can dramatically impact whether they make an offer and how much they offer.
4. Lighting: Bright, well lit rooms look bigger and create a more inviting atmosphere. Make certain all light bulbs are working and that light fixtures are clean. Any dated or outlandish light fixtures should be replaced with more modern and simple fixtures. If you take light fixtures with you, make sure a replacement is hung. For closets, attics, or crawl spaces where there is no lighting, install battery operated light disks sold at all home improvement stores.
5. Confusing Rooms: Some buyer’s can’t make sense of the floor plan in an unfurnished house. If a room’s function cannot easily be identified, if it looks out of place, or negatively impacts the flow of the house, have a game plan ready. If the situation cannot be corrected or minimized, consider either furnishing the space to eliminate the confusion.
6. Dual Functioning or Multi Purpose Rooms: Many homes are being built these days with rooms that serve dual or multi purposes. For instance living/dining rooms; kitchen/office areas; and family room/play room/homework area. Because many buyers have difficulty envisioning a room in any other way than the way they see it, it’s important to show or them the potential uses for the room. Use area rugs to better define the individual functions of a room—place one where the dining room furniture would be and another where the living room furniture would be.
7. Vignettes: It’s often hard for buyers to get a feel for the size of a room when it's vacant. Furniture provides a gauge. If completely furnishing a room is out of the question, consider either adding a few essential pieces—for instance, a queen or king size bed in a master bedroom that might appear too small to accommodate one. Better yet (and more economical), create a “vignette” … a mini scene … a cozy seating and conversation grouping. The ingredients could be as simple as one or two chairs, a small table, lamp, and a touch of silk greenery. Pull it all together to create a scene or snapshot of what the room might look like. Buyers often like to sit down in a home they're considering buying to get a sense of how’d they’d feel living there. Creating a simple vignette facing a dynamic view, in front of a fireplace, or in a room that oozes charm and comfort could be the deciding factor.