Show Vacant Properties

Vacant houses can be difficult to market because buyers tend to think the seller is desperate. Such properties also are vulnerable to vandalism and not as attractive to buyers as furnished dwellings. However, homeowners and real estate agents have several strategies to make a vacant home look its best. For example, use lights on timers to make it look as though someone is home; and keep the lawn mowed and the mail retrieved. Also paint the walls in neutral tones, replace faded wallpaper, hire a cleaning service to come in regularly, leave the utilities on, and keep the curtains and a few pieces of furniture in every room. Sellers might even have the home staged, and they should check with their homeowner’s insurance company for any vacant-home requirements.

Source: Coloradoan (04/12/09) Pettigrew, Dave; Pettigrew, Pam
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