MOVING OUT WHILE S T WHILE SELLING
A psychological benefit of moving out of your home while it is on the market is that it signals a “motivated seller” to potential buyers. An occupied home will not convey the message that the seller is ready to negotiate and sell, as does one that appears lived-in. If you’re planning on putting your home on the market soon, it is best to do so after you have moved into a new place. This way, prospective buyers will be able to see that you are ready to sell, finalize, and close the deal as soon as they are prepared to go. This will also help in staging the home with furniture and decor. If the agent or you have decided that the house should not be staged and instead remain empty, then all the better. Minimize furniture within the home when you move out. This will help buyers picture where their furniture will fit into the house, even if they don't like what you currently have. Decorative pictures — not family portraits or pictures of your children — will also help the home feel inviting without being overwhelming. Overall, a staged furnished home looks more spacious and attractive than one that is empty. During the process of moving out, check with your home insurance agent to find out the homeowners' insurance coverage situation while your house is unoccupied. Typically, there is a difference in insurance coverage for an “unoccupied” home (i.e., the owner is on extended vacation) and a vacant home (where no one resides). Your current policy will determine whether additional or different insurance is necessary. As an additional security measure to ensure your house is not a target for potential break-ins, consider installing a battery- operated burglar alarm and exterior sensor lights.
UTILIZING A STORAGE UNIT
Logistics and expenses may preclude the owner from acquiring
10
Powered by FlippingBook