When Selling A House Is It Better To Have It Empty?
The question of whether selling a house is faster when empty or staged has been debated for years. Both approaches have advantages, but most experts agree that staged homes are easier to sell. However, clearing out your home before listing can still offer valuable benefits when selling a house.
If you want to sell your house, knowing how to market an empty home is essential. This guide will cover everything you need to know about selling an empty property successfully. You’ll also get expert tips to maximize your home’s appeal and attract more buyers.
Selling a House that is Empty
Is It Simpler to Sell an Unoccupied Home?
Clearing out your home before selling can make the process smoother and more efficient, helping buyers see the property’s full potential. However, staged houses often sell faster and attract higher offers because they create a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to emotions. Buyers need to envision themselves living in the space, and an empty home may feel cold and uninviting. Without furniture or decor, rooms can appear smaller or make it difficult to understand their purpose, which can deter potential offers.
If you want to sell your house in Boston, consider staging it with neutral furniture to enhance its appeal. A well-staged home makes open house tours more effective by providing a clear vision of how each space can be used. It also helps buyers make a stronger emotional connection, increasing their willingness to make an offer. Staging doesn’t have to be expensive. Strategic furniture placement, proper lighting, and tasteful decor can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells.
Should You Empty Your Property Before Listing?
If your goal is selling a house in Maine, or New Hampshire as quickly as possible, emptying it first can offer several advantages. One major benefit is that it creates a cleaner and more polished look, which instantly makes the property more attractive to buyers. Without clutter, the home feels more spacious, allowing buyers to focus on the structure and features rather than being distracted by personal belongings. A well-maintained, empty space gives the impression of a move-in-ready home, which many buyers appreciate.
Emptying the house can also be a practical choice if you’ve inherited a property and don’t have the time or resources to sort through everything before selling. Sorting through furniture and personal items can be overwhelming, and leaving the space empty allows for a faster sale. In these situations, selling a house quickly is often a priority, and a clean, clutter-free home is easier to list and market effectively.
Finally, clearing out the property before listing gives you a chance to address potential issues that might turn buyers away. It allows you to inspect for pests, dust, debris, and hidden maintenance concerns that may not have been noticeable before. A deep-cleaned, well-presented home stands out in the competitive real estate market and can lead to stronger offers from serious buyers.
Effective Strategies for Selling an Empty Home
The point of selling a house that is empty can offer numerous advantages, but it’s essential to do it the right way to attract buyers. Without furniture or decor, an empty home needs to stand out in other ways to make a lasting impression. Buyers often rely on visual cues to imagine themselves in the space, so presenting the home strategically can increase its appeal and marketability.
Boost Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is one of the most critical factors when selling a house, especially if it’s empty. Since buyers won’t be drawn in by furniture or decor inside, the exterior must create a strong first impression. The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see, setting the tone for their expectations before they even step inside. A well-maintained exterior can also increase perceived value, making your home more competitive in the market.
If you’re planning to sell your house in Boston, Maine, or New Hampshire, you need to ensure your home looks inviting from the street. While improving curb appeal might seem like an extra task, it can make a significant difference in how quickly you attract offers. Here are some simple yet effective ways to boost the exterior appearance of your home:
Routine Yard Care
The yard is one of the first features buyers notice, so keeping it neat is essential. Overgrown grass, untrimmed bushes, and dead plants can instantly turn buyers away and make the home look neglected. To maintain a fresh look, hire a professional landscaper or commit to routine yard care every two weeks. Trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and removing weeds can make a world of difference. While there may be a small cost involved, a well-kept yard improves curb appeal and helps attract serious buyers faster.
Apply Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home’s exterior, even if you don’t repaint the entire house. Start with the front door, as it’s a focal point that sets the tone for the rest of the home. A vibrant yet neutral color can make the entrance stand out and feel inviting. Additionally, touch up any peeling or faded areas around the trim, shutters, or porch railings. Small paint updates can refresh the home’s look and make it appear well-maintained, increasing its overall appeal.
Add Mulch for a Finished Look
Mulch is an affordable and easy way to enhance landscaping, making the home look polished and well-cared-for. It not only prevents weeds from growing but also gives garden beds a clean, professional appearance. Whether you choose bark, wood chips, or stone mulch, adding a fresh layer around trees, flower beds, or pathways instantly improves the home’s aesthetics. Simple touches like this can help buyers see the property as move-in-ready.
By focusing on curb appeal, you increase your chances of selling a house quickly and for a better price. Buyers often decide within seconds whether they want to step inside, so making a great first impression is key. A well-maintained exterior signals that the home has been cared for, giving buyers more confidence in making an offer.
Address Minor Repairs
When a house is empty, flaws become much more noticeable, making it essential to address minor issues before listing your home. Scratches, cracks, stains, and peeling paint that might have gone unnoticed when the home was furnished will now stand out. Even if these are superficial issues, they can turn buyers away or give the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained. Taking the time to make necessary repairs can increase buyer confidence and help sell your house in Boston, Maine, or New Hampshire faster.
Start with Paint Touch-Ups
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make an empty house feel clean and new. Focus on high-traffic areas like walls, floors, cabinets, and ceilings, as scuffs and discoloration can make a home feel outdated. Stick to neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray, as these tones appeal to a broader range of buyers. Fresh paint doesn’t just hide imperfections; it also brightens up the space and makes rooms feel larger and more inviting.
Check Small but Noticeable Details
Buyers pay attention to the little things, so small details can make a big difference in their overall impression. Inspect the home for missing or damaged light switch plates, outlet covers, baseboards, and cabinet handles. Replace any burned-out bulbs with warm, bright lighting to make the home feel welcoming. Even something as simple as fixing a squeaky door, tightening loose door knobs, or replacing worn-out caulking can improve the home’s perceived value.
Make the Home Feel Fresh and Well-Maintained
An empty house lacks furniture and decor to distract buyers, so every detail stands out. Fixing these minor issues can create a polished, move-in-ready look that attracts serious buyers. The fewer problems they see, the more confident they’ll be about making an offer. Taking the time to address cosmetic fixes shows buyers that the home has been cared for, helping you sell it faster and at a higher price.
Deep Clean Every Corner
When selling an empty home, every speck of dust and dirt stands out, making a deep clean essential. Without furniture to distract the eye, buyers will focus on the home’s condition, and a spotless space creates the impression of a well-maintained property. Pay extra attention to high-visibility areas like window sills, walls, ceilings, sinks, tubs, and kitchen appliances. Wash the windows to maximize natural light, scrub light fixtures and baseboards, and steam clean carpets to remove stains and odors. If you have hardwood or tile floors, mop and wax them for a fresh, polished look. Buyers will also inspect often-overlooked spots like closets, under sinks, and inside cabinets, so make sure these areas are free of dust and grime.
If deep cleaning feels overwhelming, hiring professional cleaners can be a smart investment to ensure the home looks its best. A pristine house not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also reassures buyers that the property is move-in ready. First impressions matter, and a sparkling clean home can lead to faster offers and even a higher selling price. Taking the time to deep clean before listing your home in Boston, Maine, or New Hampshire can give you a competitive edge in the market.
Eliminate Clutter
Removing furniture and personal items doesn’t always mean your home is truly empty. Leftover junk in the garage, backyard, or basement can still drive buyers away. Clutter makes the home feel neglected and can raise concerns about hidden maintenance issues. Buyers want a property that feels fresh and move-in ready, not one that requires cleanup before they can settle in. To make your home more appealing, ensure every part of the property, inside and out, is free of junk and debris. Donate, recycle, or properly dispose of any remaining items, including oversized objects like old furniture, woodpiles, or scrap metal.
If you’re short on time or dealing with a large volume of unwanted items, hiring a professional junk removal company can be a stress-free solution. These services can efficiently clear out any lingering debris, making sure the home looks clean and well-maintained. A clutter-free home creates a positive first impression and helps buyers focus on the property’s best features rather than distractions. Taking the time to remove all junk can increase buyer interest and lead to a quicker sale.
Work with a Top-Notch Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent can make all the difference when selling an empty home. Not all agents have experience with vacant properties, so be sure to ask detailed questions about their track record and marketing strategies for selling empty homes. An experienced realtor will know how to highlight your home’s best features, optimize your listing, and attract serious buyers.
Beyond listing and negotiations, some real estate agencies offer additional services to make the selling process smoother. Many provide professional cleaning, virtual staging, or even rental furniture to enhance your home’s appeal. Taking advantage of these services can make your home stand out and increase the chances of securing the best possible offer.
Conclusion
Selling a house empty or staged each has its benefits, but staged homes typically sell faster and for higher prices. Buyers connect better with furnished spaces, making it easier for them to visualize living in the home. However, an empty house can still attract buyers if presented well.
If you choose to sell an empty home, focus on curb appeal, minor repairs, and deep cleaning. A well-maintained exterior creates a strong first impression, while fixing small issues makes the property feel move-in ready. Removing all clutter and hiring professional cleaners can also boost buyer confidence.
Working with an experienced real estate agent ensures your home is marketed effectively. They can provide staging tips, optimize your listing, and attract serious buyers. Whether empty or staged, a well-presented home sells faster and at a better price.
FAQs
What are the challenges of selling an empty house?
It may highlight flaws, feel uninviting, and make it harder for buyers to visualize living there.
Can an empty house affect the appraisal?
Yes, it can feel smaller and expose imperfections, potentially lowering the appraised value.
Do empty homes attract lowball offers?
Some buyers assume urgency, leading to lower offers. Strategic pricing and staging can help.
How does virtual staging help?
It digitally adds furniture to listing photos, making the space more appealing online.
Is an empty house a security risk?
Yes, it can attract break-ins. Smart locks, lights, and occasional visits help prevent issues.
Users Also Say
Does a house sell better staged or empty?
Li****nn
“Staged homes sell faster and for higher amount. Selling your home is not an easy process. In fact, it’s harder than most people think. But there are ways to making it easier, and one of those ways is staging your home. It’s a tactic that more and more homeowners are starting to take either on their own accord or through the recommendation.”
Jo*******er
“Staging your home is a new stress on top of the already stressful time of selling a home. Not only must sellers keep in mind the tremulous housing market, but they have to prepare their home for potential buyers as well. In recent years, however, housing and selling techniques have become more strategic. Those preparing to put their home on the market have the advantage of now knowing just how to appeal to their buyer audience. To stage your home is no longer a nice idea. It’s one of the most important things you can do when selling your home. The process of staging a home to better appeal to potential buyers has become increasingly popular within recent years.”
Je****au*****on
“Staged for sure! I once had a couple that when I showed them an empty house they were convinced that their bedroom furniture would not fit. Since I was selling their house also I knew the actual size of bother bedrooms & the one they had now was definitely smaller than the one they were looking at.”
