both and factors that can tip the scale to one side.
Moving Out or Staying Put During the Sale Process
If the seller has engaged a real estate agent, the burden of showing a vacant home is virtually eliminated. The agent will field all calls, set appointments, and arrange showings for the home. Buyers’ real estate agents are also more likely to want to show homes that are easy to access. Vacant homes are generally easier to access. They don’t have to call and make an appointment and can simply go over and use the lockbox. Further, the continual pressure to keep daily life from affecting the home’s pristine staging presentation is eliminated. The seller is not under constant pressure to keep the home in immaculate showing condition. If you’re someone who might struggle to keep your home in turnkey condition for showing purposes — you may consider vacating before putting the home on the market. If you are going to live in the home during this time, (as many sellers do), be sure to make the showing process easy. Respond immediately to showing requests. If you take hours to respond, the buyers may have moved on and scheduled a different showing elsewhere. I always suggest to my clients that they schedule a trip away when their home hits the market so showings can easily happen anytime on the days that the seller is away. With some strategic planning, I can have numerous showings lined up as soon as the home hits the market, and often we will have offers in hand before the seller returns.
Selling an "Empty" Home
Staging a vacant home should be seriously considered for two reasons. 1) A professional stager will highlight the home's best features, such as architectural details, views, or spacious rooms,
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