Six tips for selling vacant property
Displaying and selling a vacant home can be stressful.
The unfortunate reality is that vacant property is a vulnerable target to vandals and the chances of break-in increase. To avoid this, it is best to make the house appear inhabited to prevent any possible mischief.
Selling an empty home is also more difficult, according to Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE / MAX in Southern Africa, as buyers often have difficulty imagining what the home will look like after placing their own furniture in it.
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“Even if nobody lives in the house, it doesn’t have to be empty. A bare home can appear less comfortable to potential buyers. At the very least, your agent should take pictures of your fully furnished house to deter criminals searching for targets online. In addition, it might be helpful to rent furniture or leave some furniture behind to showcase the house to potential buyers, ”Goslett recommended.
Additionally, RE / MAX of Southern Africa offers the following security measures that homeowners can take when selling a vacant home:
Let the neighbors know
Sellers should inform neighbors and the neighborhood guard (if applicable) that they are selling an empty home and ask them to contact them if anything requires the owner’s attention. Sellers could also request that the real estate agent marketing the home check it out from time to time.
Install a security system for your home
If the house doesn’t have a security system, install one. It will make the home safer and it can add value too. For many potential homebuyers, safety is a key factor in making a decision.
Check home insurance
Some aspects of the homeowner’s home insurance coverage are subject to change once they have left the property. Homeowners should check this out and also find out how long the policy covers an empty home. Some insurance companies offer vandalism and malicious mischief that protects property after the owner has moved out.
Use timed lighting in your vacant house
To further deter criminals, try motion-activated lights or set the lights on a timer so that they turn on in the evening to make it look like someone is home. Ideally, there should be adequate lighting for the inside and outside of the apartment, as a poorly lit apartment gives criminals an opportunity to hide.
Never let the mailbox overflow
Homeowners need to update their forwarding address and visit their homes regularly to pick up mail as an overcrowded mailbox is a tell-tale sign of an empty home. Alternatively, ask neighbors, friends or possibly even the realtor to drop by the property occasionally to empty the mailbox.
Maintain the exterior of the house
An overgrown lawn is another tell-tale sign that the house is not inhabited. Even if nobody lives on the property, it needs regular maintenance. Maintaining the home will not only deter intruders but also make the home more attractive to potential buyers.
“While selling an unoccupied home can be a daunting task, using the tips above will help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. The use of an experienced real estate professional from a well-known brand also speeds up the process and ensures a quick and smooth sale, ”concluded Goslett.
For more real estate advice or to connect with an agent from the world’s leading real estate brand, visit www.remax.co.za
