2006-08-07 03:45:41 · 13 answers · asked by Molly R 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Stay in it. People prefer to see a furnished house so they can see how the space is used. Get rid of clutter and anything that detracts from seeing how nice the house is. No toys around. The kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless with very little on the counters. Clean out your closets so they look spacious. Paint in neutral colors and remove wallpaper if necessary.
2006-08-07 03:52:35 · answer #1 · answered by notyou311 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This depends a lot on you and on the specific of the house.
We sold our last house empty. But it was a small house and we are a large family. Because it was empty is made the house feel very large. I am certain we would have had to wait a lot longer for a buyer if we had still been in the house.
There is no hard and fast rule for this. You have to do what works for your specific house.
IMHO, I preferred to look at empty houses. I always feel that a lot can be hidden using furniture. If the house is empty, or has minimal staging, then I have a more honest representation of condition of the house. It also meant that the seller might be more willing to deal and that I would be able to get into the house to take measurements, etc, while waiting for the closing.
2006-08-07 04:03:53 · answer #2 · answered by Wundt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably depends more on your monetary situation. I have sold house empty and full lived in. They both have pros and cons. Empty the buyer may feel he can lowball you because he will assume (usually correctly) that you cannot afford TWO mortgages and will want to sell the empty house as quickly as possible. If you still live there however they might be afraid that the deal could fall through if you change your mind so they might be less interested in making an offer so the offers when they come may be better but you might get less of them so the house may take longer to sell. (again this also depends on the market) So really don't worry about that aspect of it make it whatever is easier for you. For instance if you have already bought your next house you might as well start moving in and getting it the way you want it. You can always have a "stager" make the house look lived in if you are afraid of lowballers.
2006-08-07 03:55:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can stay in it, but you have to move about 3/4 of your stuff out for the quickest sale! (Assuming you have some nice furniture.) This will give you the same effect as "staging": Each room contains some furniture and decoration that suggests the purpose of the room, but does not tell the potential buyer that "the room has to look like this". You want buyers to see the potential, and that can be difficult with empty rooms. It is totally impossible with completely filled rooms.
On the other hand, moving or not can depend on your time frame. Most people can't live with a half-occupied house for months, but for some getting top dollar is worth their patience.
2006-08-07 03:57:59 · answer #4 · answered by pondering_it_all 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really don't want to do anything until you know you have a solid deal in writing, however do keep in mind, nothing is final until all the signatures are on the closing papers, Ask your agent about the best way to protect yourself from things that may play a part in what you want to do... sometimes a vacant home will sell faster, if your going to stay in the home, clear the mess and start packing boxes to give the appearance that you are ready to go to your new home,,
2006-08-07 03:55:39 · answer #5 · answered by GO AHEAD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the amount of stuff you have that you cant live without for a while. You need to stage your house and take out anything that is extra. If you have a lot of nick naks and things of that sort. Its perfectly normal to live in while you sell and actually makes the house have that lived in feel. You definatly want to leave in furniture if its atractive in the house. It needs not be empty.
2006-08-07 03:52:54 · answer #6 · answered by jeffrey k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be in your best interest (atleast financially) to stay in the house -- but the idea when selling the house, is to look like you don't "live" there. By this I mean, remove clutter, and redecorate if applicable in very neutral style. Watch "Sell this House" on A&E -- they have som really good pointers. Good luck :)
2006-08-07 03:57:22 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do either. What would be more convenient for you?
Removing clutter and excess furnishings can help sell a home.
On the other hand an empty house can seem lonely and cold.
I would clean the house as much as possible and stay living there.
2006-08-07 03:51:43 · answer #8 · answered by Lodiju 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I say stay for the economics of it, but remove clutter. pack up your photos and art work and knick nacks into boxes. You want prospective buyers to be able to imagine all of their photos and knick nacks in the house. Also a little fresh paint goes a long way, and my biggest turn off when touring homes was a dirty kitchen.
2006-08-07 03:55:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Houses usually sell better when they are furnished. However, don't have it looking over stuffed and cluttered. Make it look like you have everything you need with lots of room left over. Good Luck
2006-08-07 03:50:36 · answer #10 · answered by rookiewriter 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋