Most buyers struggle to imagine what an empty house could look like as their home. While some can picture their dream setup in a vacant space, many find it difficult to visualize how furniture would fit or how the home would feel once lived in. This can make selling a home that’s unfurnished more challenging.
Statistics show that empty homes tend to stay on the market longer and often sell for less than furnished ones. However, not every seller has the option to stay in their home while selling. Some need to move due to work, purchasing a new home, or inheriting a property they can’t manage in person.
12 Easy Tips To Help Sell Your Empty Home Faster
1. Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal for a Lasting First Impression
When selling an empty or unstaged home, curb appeal becomes even more crucial. The first impression can make or break a buyer’s interest. A well-maintained exterior shows potential buyers that the property is cared for, making it more inviting. Here are a few effective ways to keep your curb appeal fresh and appealing, even if you’re not visiting the property frequently.
Keep Up with Lawn Maintenance
A neglected lawn can quickly turn from neat to overgrown, especially during warmer months. Hiring a professional for regular mowing will keep the grass tidy and enhance the home’s overall look. Even in cooler seasons, occasional maintenance ensures the yard remains presentable. Investing in consistent upkeep can significantly boost the home’s appeal and value.
Trim Overgrown Shrubs and Bushes
Unkempt hedges and bushes can make a home look abandoned or poorly maintained. Regular trimming keeps the landscape polished and inviting. If hiring a professional, they usually charge based on the number of shrubs, but even a single trimming session can make a noticeable difference in curb appeal. A well-groomed yard signals to buyers that the home has been well cared for.
Refresh the Front Door with Paint
A fresh coat of paint on the front door can transform the entire exterior of a home. Choosing a bold yet complementary color helps the house stand out and adds a welcoming touch. Traditional homes pair well with classic colors like navy or black, while more modern designs shine with vibrant shades such as teal or jade. A freshly painted door creates an inviting first impression, signaling quality and care from the moment buyers arrive.
Add a Fresh Layer of Mulch
Laying down new mulch not only enhances the look of flower beds but also helps prevent weed growth. A well-mulched yard appears neat and well-kept, instantly elevating the property’s appearance. Fresh mulch adds contrast and depth to the landscaping, making the greenery pop while showing buyers that the property is well maintained.
By taking these simple yet impactful steps, you can significantly improve curb appeal and attract potential buyers with a polished and inviting exterior. Whether you manage the upkeep yourself or hire professionals, these efforts will go a long way in making a great first impression.
2. Keep the Home Clean Until It’s Sold
A vacant home can quickly accumulate dust and grime, creating an uninviting atmosphere for potential buyers. A neglected space might leave visitors with a negative impression, making it harder to sell.
To keep the home in top shape, start with a thorough deep cleaning before listing it on the market. However, one-time cleaning isn’t enough. Schedule regular cleanings every few weeks to maintain its freshness. A quick refresh, such as wiping down surfaces, sweeping floors, and clearing out cobwebs, can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the property.
If you’re unable to handle the upkeep yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Your real estate agent may have recommendations for reliable professionals who can help ensure the home stays spotless throughout the selling process.
3. Focus on Key Areas When Staging Your Home
While staging the entire home creates the best impression, it’s not always an option for every seller. If you need to prioritize, start with the most visible and frequently used spaces—such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen. These areas set the tone for potential buyers and can leave a lasting first impression.
After staging the main gathering spaces, shift your focus to other essential rooms in this order:
- Primary bedroom and bathroom – These spaces should feel like a retreat, offering a sense of relaxation and comfort.
- Additional shared areas – If you have an office, media room, or home gym, stage them to highlight their functionality.
- Other bedrooms and outdoor spaces – A well-presented guest room, kids’ bedroom, or backyard can further enhance your home’s appeal.
Staging has been shown to add value to a home, making it more attractive to buyers. Many top real estate professionals believe it plays a key role in securing stronger offers. Some agents even offer staging assistance as part of their service, helping sellers present their homes in the best possible light.
4 Partner with a Committed Real Estate Agent
Selling a home from afar can be challenging, but the right real estate agent can make the process much smoother. When choosing an agent, ask about their experience handling vacant homes and whether they provide staging or cleaning services as part of their offerings. Some agents go the extra mile, keeping furniture on hand to stage properties when needed.
A well-staged home can attract buyers faster. If a property isn’t moving, an agent with the right resources may furnish it to make it more appealing. In some cases, buyers may even purchase the home along with the staged furniture, making the sale even more convenient.
To ensure your home sells quickly and at its best value, work with an experienced agent who understands how to market vacant properties effectively.
5. Clear Out Stray Items to Prevent an Unfinished Look
Leaving behind random items—like a lone lamp, a single wall frame, or a forgotten chair—can make a home feel unkempt, almost as if someone left in a hurry. This can give potential buyers the wrong impression, making the space feel abandoned rather than inviting.
A fully staged home is ideal, while an empty space is the next best option. However, a partially cleared-out home with scattered belongings can feel careless and unappealing. Even a few misplaced items can make it seem like the home wasn’t properly prepared for sale.
If staging isn’t an option, ensure that everything is completely cleared out before listing. A clean, clutter-free space helps buyers envision the home as a fresh start rather than a leftover from the past.
6. Focus on Staging the Bed and Couch for Maximum Appeal
Many buyers struggle to visualize how furniture will fit in an empty space. Walking into a home, they may wonder if their couch or bed will fit comfortably. This uncertainty can make them hesitant, so proper staging is key.
Make the Bed the Highlight of the Bedroom
Placing a bed in the primary bedroom reassures buyers that their mattress will fit with room to spare. A neatly made bed with fresh, neutral bedding can create a cozy, inviting feel. If the bedroom is small, choose a bed size that complements the space—downsizing to a full or twin can make the room appear larger instead of cramped.
Arrange the Couch to Open Up the Living Room
Proper furniture placement in the living room can make a big difference. Avoid a crowded look by allowing enough space between pieces. A general rule is to leave at least 30 inches between furniture for easy movement and 14 to 18 inches between the couch and coffee table for a comfortable flow. A well-arranged living space feels open, functional, and welcoming—exactly what buyers want to see.
7. Understand Your Market Before Making Changes
In a highly competitive market where homes are selling fast, buyers are often eager to make quick decisions. This means that staging may not always be necessary to attract offers. Instead of investing time and effort into unnecessary upgrades, focus on setting the right price based on a thorough market analysis. By aligning your strategy with market trends, you can maximize your chances of a successful sale without unnecessary stress.
8. Control the Home’s Temperature from Anywhere
Ensure potential buyers feel comfortable the moment they step inside. A well-balanced indoor temperature makes a great first impression, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages buyers to explore freely. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to manage the temperature remotely, ensuring the home is always at the perfect setting. These devices can automatically adjust based on movement, keeping energy use efficient while maintaining a cozy environment. With remote access, you can monitor and modify settings from anywhere, making it easy to maintain an inviting space at all times.
9. Strengthen Your Home’s Security
Home break-ins are a serious concern, with a burglary happening every 25.7 seconds in the U.S. Vacant properties, especially those listed for sale, can be prime targets. The for-sale sign often attracts unwanted attention, as it signals that strangers may frequently visit the property, making it easier for criminals to strike. This creates the perfect opportunity for thieves to steal appliances or valuables from the home.
Here’s how you can take action to safeguard your property and prevent opportunistic crime while you’re away:
Engage Your Neighbors
One of the most effective ways to monitor your property is by enlisting the help of your neighbors. In many communities, neighbors are often the first to notice any suspicious activity. By staying in touch with them, whether through a quick phone call or text, they can alert you if anything unusual occurs around your property, allowing you to act fast and protect your home.
Utilize Smart Home Technology
Smart home devices have become more affordable and can significantly enhance your home’s security. A simple investment in a smart camera system allows you to monitor your property remotely from anywhere. Additionally, smart locks can help you track who is entering or exiting your home, whether it’s housekeepers, landscapers, or neighbors keeping an eye on things. These tools give you peace of mind and allow you to stay connected to your property, even from afar.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
To further discourage criminals, motion-activated flood lights are a great addition to your security setup. These lights automatically turn on when they detect movement, instantly illuminating the area and drawing attention to any activity around your property, especially at night. A simple installation of LED flood lights can be a powerful deterrent to potential burglars, making your home less appealing to criminals.
10. Use Lighting to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere in Empty Spaces
A dark, empty space can leave potential buyers with a negative impression, especially during evening viewings. Instead of letting the property feel cold and uninviting, take action to make it feel cozy and welcoming before they even step inside. One effective way to do this is by using smart lighting and strategically placed lamps.
Smart light bulbs offer a simple solution, allowing you to control the lighting remotely through Wi-Fi. You can program these bulbs to turn on automatically at sunset, creating a warm, inviting ambiance without lifting a finger. Alternatively, for a more budget-friendly option, consider using a mechanical timer to activate lamps at specific times each evening. This small detail can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the space, ensuring it feels inviting and lived-in.
11. Verify Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage
When your property remains unoccupied for an extended period, it’s crucial to check if your homeowners insurance is still valid. A property that has been vacant for over a set number of days may require you to update your policy for the right coverage. Vacant properties are more susceptible to risks like damage or vandalism, making it essential to ensure your insurance policy extends to this situation. Regular homeowners insurance might not cover vacant homes, so it’s wise to contact your insurance provider and confirm if your existing policy covers an empty property. Without proper coverage, you could be left vulnerable to unexpected issues.
12. Speed Up the Closing Process by Selling to a Cash Buyer
Selling a vacant property often brings a lot of stress, especially when it comes to time. The longer your home stays on the market, the more you’ll face maintenance and security costs, not to mention the added stress. Even after you’ve accepted an offer, the average closing time can be up to 45 days.
However, you can significantly speed up the entire process by opting to sell to a cash buyer. These buyers are often able to close quickly. This can be a game-changer if you’re looking to avoid the traditional listing process and move forward without delays. By selling off-market to a cash buyer, you streamline the process and save both time and energy.
A straightforward way to explore cash offers is by using platforms designed to connect sellers with interested buyers. With this approach, you can expect a fair offer that reflects a substantial portion of your home’s market value, helping you to move on quickly and efficiently.
Why Selling a Vacant Home for Cash Might Be Your Best Option
Selling a home can be a time-consuming and stressful process, especially if the property is vacant. Whether you’ve inherited a house, moved to a new location, or simply want to get rid of a property that’s sitting unused, selling it for cash can be a smart and efficient solution. Traditional home sales involve a lot of steps—hiring a real estate agent, making repairs, listing the property, waiting for offers, and dealing with financing contingencies. However, selling for cash simplifies the process, allowing you to close quickly and move forward with peace of mind. Here’s why selling your vacant home for cash might be the best option for you.
Avoiding the Hassles of Traditional Listings
Listing a home on the market requires time, effort, and money. You have to hire a real estate agent, schedule professional photos, and list the property online. Even after listing, you might have to wait weeks or months for potential buyers to show interest. Open houses and showings can be inconvenient, especially if you don’t live nearby to manage them. In contrast, cash buyers typically purchase homes as-is, eliminating the need for marketing, negotiations, and drawn-out closing timelines. Selling directly to a cash buyer can save you from the frustration of unpredictable buyers and lengthy selling processes.
Faster Closing Times and Fewer Complications
One of the biggest advantages of selling a vacant home for cash is the speed of the transaction. Traditional home sales often take 30 to 60 days to close due to financing approvals, appraisals, and inspections. If a buyer’s loan falls through at the last minute, you may have to start the process all over again. Cash sales, on the other hand, eliminate these delays. Many cash buyers can close in as little as a week since they don’t need to wait for mortgage approvals or third-party financing. This quick turnaround is especially beneficial if you need to sell the home fast due to financial constraints, relocation, or other personal reasons.
No Need for Repairs or Staging
When selling a home on the open market, buyers expect it to be in good condition. This means you may need to invest in costly repairs, painting, deep cleaning, and even staging to make it appealing. However, when you sell to a cash buyer, you can skip these steps. Most cash buyers purchase properties in their current condition, meaning you don’t have to spend time or money fixing up the home. This is particularly helpful if the vacant home has been sitting for a while and may have maintenance issues. Selling as-is allows you to move forward without additional stress or unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Selling a vacant home comes with unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can attract buyers and close the deal quickly. By enhancing curb appeal, keeping the property clean, staging key areas, and working with a committed real estate agent, you can increase your chances of a successful sale. Additionally, understanding your market, securing the home, and considering cash buyers can further simplify the process.
For homeowners for a quick and hassle-free way to sell a vacant property, New England Home Buyers provides a seamless solution. We specialize in buying homes as-is, allowing you to skip repairs, staging, and lengthy closing processes. If you’re ready to move forward without the stress of a traditional sale, contact New England Home Buyers today to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stage a vacant home before selling?
Staging is not required but highly recommended. Even minimal staging, such as furnishing the living room and primary bedroom, can make a significant impact on buyer interest and offer prices.
How do I maintain a vacant home while it’s on the market?
Regular cleaning, lawn maintenance, and smart home security systems can help keep the property in top shape. Some sellers also hire property managers or neighbors to check in periodically.
Are there special insurance requirements for vacant homes?
Yes, many homeowner insurance policies do not cover vacant homes after 30–60 days. Sellers should check with their insurance provider to ensure they have proper coverage for an unoccupied property.
Can I sell a vacant home without making repairs?
Yes, you can sell a vacant home as-is, especially to cash buyers who are willing to purchase properties in any condition. This can help save time and money on repairs.
How do I keep a vacant home safe from vandalism or theft?
Install security cameras, motion-sensing lights, and smart locks to protect the property. Ask neighbors to keep an eye on the home or hire a property manager for periodic checks.
