When selling a home, the property will be either vacant or occupied. Though many homes are sold while occupied, some are vacant due to the previous owners moving, a sudden relocation, or some other reason.
If the choice between selling vacant vs occupied is left up to you, it’s important to consider which option will make the process quicker, easier, and more profitable. Both sides have their advantages and disadvantages, so let’s discuss their differences to determine which route is best for you!
Benefits and Drawbacks of Selling a Vacant Home
There are a few benefits to selling a vacant home. The first is that it gives realtors the freedom to show the house at any time. This could result in more people seeing the property. The house will also always be clean and ready to be seen by potential buyers, which saves occupants the stress of constant cleaning. As an added bonus, the owners won’t have to worry about leaving during the showings.
Unfortunately, this is where the benefits end. Selling a vacant home comes with several drawbacks. The key disadvantage is that vacant homes tend to have less emotional appeal. Empty homes don’t look very lived in, which can make it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. You could pay for home staging to prevent this disconnect, but that comes with extra costs. The property will also be more vulnerable to vandalism and break-ins.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Selling an Occupied Home
One of the many benefits of selling an occupied home is that potential buyers can form an emotional attachment. They can see the life someone has built inside the home and then picture themselves doing the same. They won’t have to wonder whether or not their bed or table will fit into a particular room, as they can simply compare with the occupant’s furniture. This route also reduces theft and vandalism risks and saves occupants from having to pay two sets of utility bills during the selling process.
There are relatively few drawbacks to selling an occupied home. Problems typically only arise if you have tenants that are messy or combative for some reason. Realtors will also have fewer opportunities to show the home, as the occupants will need to be able to clean and leave the premises.
Which Option Is Easier?
When it comes to house sales, an occupied home is preferable. Unless you’re dealing with unusually difficult tenants, selling a home that’s occupied is almost always the better option. Vacant homes can just come across as too cold and sterile for most home buyers. An occupied home is simply more appealing to buyers and can even increase the house value.
A Realtor Can Handle Both Situations
Selling an occupied home may be easier, but an experienced realtor from the team at R & R Property will have no problem selling a vacant home. The professional team at R&R know how to navigate the drawbacks of both options to ensure that the selling process goes smoothly. If you’re selling a house, buying a house, or looking for property for building a house in NSW, you can count on our agents to help you. With their knowledge of the market, house appraisals, staging, and more, they can ensure you get the best deal possible.
