Occupied homes are usually perceived as more appealing to buyers than those that are vacant. This is because vacant rooms can make it difficult for buyers to judge room size and how their furniture might look in the space. But homeowners do not always have an opportunity to stay in their homes until they sell, especially if a work transfer or family matter makes it necessary for them to relocate. If you are a homeowner who will be forced to sell your home after you have already moved away, the following staging tips can help you overcome its vacant status and add the warmth and appeal that every buyer will appreciate.
Change the lights bulbs to add the appearance of more natural light
Fluorescent and other harsh lighting will reflect off of vacant floors and walls, creating unwelcoming glare. To cast light that will be more like appealing natural light, choose to replace existing bulbs with halogens, which are widely considered to be the most like natural daylight.
Program the thermostat to maintain normal interior temperatures
Homeowners who must leave their home vacant often make the mistake of winterizing their home and setting their HVAC system to save money on heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. Doing this may save money, but it can also create a problem when the home is shown. Buyers who are uncomfortably cold or too warm when viewing a home often hurry through the showing and may miss seeing all the features and amenities the home offers.
To keep your home comfortable for all viewings while still reaping some savings on the HVAC bills, use a programmable thermostat to bring the interior temperatures to a seasonally comfortable level during the hours the home is likely to be shown. Since most homes are not shown late at night, homeowners can use the thermostat to drop temperatures back to a much more economical setting each evening.
Keep up with lawn maintenance in your absence
A carefully trimmed lawn is an asset for the occupied home and a necessity for the vacant one. Shaggy grass, weedy flower beds, and piles of dead leaves will ruin curb appeal and give any home an uncared for appearance that make prospective buyers hesitate about going inside. To avoid losing buyer interest because of an unkept lawn, long-distance sellers should arrange for regular service by a lawn care company or find an neighbor who may be willing to keep the lawn in good shape at a reasonable costs.
For more even more ways to make a vacant home look its best, discuss your situation with a real estate professional from companies like Keller Williams Realty-Felicia F. Long. They can offer you helpful suggestions based on their experience that will help you get your vacant home sold.
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