virtual staging for the main areas of the home. Virtual staging is gaining popularity and has proven to be an effective tool for sparking a potential buyer's imagination. This can be a game- changer, especially for vacant homes, and it’s a great way to present the space in a visually appealing way without the hassle of moving furniture or committing to physical staging. TO STAY OR NOT TO STAY? Home sellers often ask whether they should stay in their home while it is on the market or move out. There are pros and cons to both, with factors that can tip the scale to one side. Pros of Moving Out 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 show the home. Buyers’ real estate agents are also more likely to want to show vacant homes. If agents have 20 home options and 15 are occupied, they may well show the vacant homes out of convenience. 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—for example, if you have young children—consider vacating before putting the home on the market. Cons of Moving Out A significant con of moving out of the house while it’s still for sale and being shown to potential buyers is the financial strain it can cause. Once you’ve moved out, you may still be responsible for ongoing expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities, while also paying for a new place to live. The home may remain on the market for longer than expected, meaning you could face months of double payments without the assurance of a quick sale. Additionally, the longer the house stays unsold, the more the property could potentially lose value,
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