Selling a home is a significant financial and emotional decision, and the way you present your home to buyers can make all the difference in the final outcome. If you're planning to move out before selling, it's essential to call me first. Why? Because the decision to sell your home while it’s vacant can have a profound impact on the sale results—including how quickly your home sells and at what price.
"Recently, I’ve had two home sellers contact me the day after the movers left with all their personal belongings loaded in a semi-trailer," states Keller Williams Luxury Realtor in Dayton, OH. "I know luxury homeowners especially are busy professionals and might have concerns about how listing their home for sale while they are living in the home might have a negative impact upon their life and business. Ideally, I would like to have photos taken of the home while all the owner’s beautiful furniture and decorations are in place—not dealing with carpet and flooring discoloration from sun fading or nails in the walls where art and photos were once hung. I think our luxury home selling plan may be a great fit for busy professionals."
When buyers walk into a vacant home, their experience is markedly different compared to walking into a furnished space. Here’s what’s likely going through their minds:
Buyers often struggle to visualize how their furniture will look in an empty room. Without the context provided by furnishings, rooms can feel smaller or larger than they actually are, leaving buyers uncertain about the space’s functionality.
A vacant home may signal to buyers that the seller has already moved on, potentially raising concerns about maintenance. Questions like "Has the HVAC been serviced?" or "Are there any hidden issues?" might creep into their minds, even if unfounded.
Vacant homes often sit on the market longer than furnished ones. Buyers might perceive this as a sign that something is wrong with the property or that the seller might be desperate to sell, leading to lowball offers.
Homes that appear cold and empty can create emotional distance for buyers, making it harder for them to envision themselves living in the space. This lack of connection can lead to:
Lower offers: Buyers may offer less money, believing the seller is more motivated to sell quickly.
Longer time on the market: Without the warmth and appeal of a furnished space, vacant homes often take longer to attract serious buyers.
Increased carrying costs: The longer your home remains on the market, the more you’ll pay in mortgage payments, utilities, and upkeep.
According to industry data, staged homes—or homes that are furnished at least in photos—sell for 5-10% more on average than vacant homes. Additionally, staged homes sell faster. Why? Because furnishings help buyers:
As real estate expert Barbara Corcoran has said, "Buyers don’t just buy a house; they buy a lifestyle. Staging helps them envision that lifestyle and emotionally connect with the property."
With over 20 years in the real estate business, having listed and sold over 300 homes across the Miami Valley (not to mention the hundreds of homes I’ve sold representing buyers), I’ve toured thousands of Dayton area homes. I’ve seen firsthand how the presentation of a home impacts its sale.
Shurts states, "I don’t believe that home sellers fully understand the impact an empty house may have on their ultimate sale price and timing."
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If you're moving out before selling your home, here's why calling me first is crucial:
With little interruption to your life, we may be able to prepare your house for professional photography and video creation. We understand that many people don't want their time interrupted by showings. We have a plan to minimize and even eliminate interruptions to your life while you are still living in your house!
If our easy sell isn't a good fit for you, I’ll guide you on whether it’s worth leaving some key furniture pieces behind, using virtual staging, or hiring a staging professional. We will discuss the pros and cons of each of these options.
Selling a home Is a partnership, and deciding to work together before you move out can set the stage for a successful sale.
Don’t let an empty house send the wrong message to buyers or cost you thousands in lost equity. Let’s work together to ensure your home looks its absolute best, attracts motivated buyers, and sells for top dollar.
Ready to sell? Call me today at 937-241-2124 or Dayton Realtor Cyndi Shurts at 937-604-5194. Let’s tailor a plan that fits your needs and helps you achieve your real estate goals.
