FINE & COUNTRY SELLING WHEN NOBODY’S HOME
Selling a vacant property presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Jonathan Handford from Fine & Country Leamington Spa outlines the factors to consider to attract potential buyers and ensure a smooth sale.
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Whether it’s an inherited home, a second property, or one that tenants vacated some time prior, a home that has been vacant for any length of time can require special attention to ensure it is presented in the best possible light. While vacant properties can offer flexibility, they can also require a little extra consideration.
First, curb appeal is critical when selling any property, but it becomes even more crucial when the home is vacant. With no one living in the property, keeping up with day-to-day maintenance, the exterior may start to look neglected. Regular upkeep, such as mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and tidying the front garden, will ensure the property remains appealing to passers-by and potential buyers. In many cases, buyers will make their first judgment based on the exterior, so maintaining a clean, well-kept appearance is essential.
Another key aspect is securing the property. A vacant home can be vulnerable to vandalism or break-ins, so it’s vital to take steps to protect it. Installing good-quality locks and an alarm system, and ensuring the property looks cared for are all essential. For properties that will be vacant for an extended period, it’s worth considering security cameras or enlisting a property management service to check on the home regularly. Keeping the house secure both protects the property and provides peace of mind throughout the sale process.
One of the most significant challenges with vacant properties is their potential for it to feel cold or unwelcoming to prospective buyers. Without furniture or personal touches, rooms can feel smaller, and it can be difficult for people to imagine themselves living there. Home staging is one of the best solutions for this. This
can be as simple as adding a few pieces of furniture and décor to give the property a lived-in feel, or it may involve a specialist and more elaborate design choices to showcase the home’s best features. Staged homes tend to sell faster and at higher prices, as they help buyers visualise how the space could work for them.
In addition to staging, ensuring the property is clean and free of any unwanted odours is essential. Empty homes can develop a musty smell if they haven’t been ventilated for a while. Regular cleaning and airing out the property can help eliminate these issues. It’s also worth checking that all utilities are in working order, including heating, water, and electricity. Having functioning utilities during viewings makes the property feel more inviting and allows potential buyers to check that everything is in good condition.
The condition of the vacant property is another important consideration. If the home has been left empty for some time, it may require repairs to bring it up to standard. Issues like peeling paint,
outdated fixtures, or minor structural problems can deter buyers.
Marketing a vacant property is another area that requires attention. High-quality visuals are essential for showcasing the property’s strengths, especially when there are no furnishings to help create a sense of scale or character. Hire a professional photographer or use virtual staging technology to help make the property stand out in online listings. Vacant homes are often available for immediate occupancy, which can be a selling point, so emphasise this in marketing material.
Remember, with the right preparation, a vacant home can be transformed into a desirable opportunity for prospective homeowners.
For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Fine & Country Leamington Spa on 01926 455950 or visit
www.fineandcountry.com
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THE MIDLANDS PROPERT Y GUIDE F INE & COUNTRY
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