I just finished reading an article in which the author indicated that vacant homes for sale show more attractively than furnished homes. I'd have to say that in most cases, I don't agree with this opinion.
The article went on to point out that vacant homes offered by individual sellers can often times make a seller appear "distressed and desperate". I do agree that often times this can be the case.
The problem with a vacant home is that the rooms can appear smaller than they actually are. Often, it is difficult for the buyers to visually "place" their furnishings in the home. It's harder to get a "feel" of where things should go and what will actually fit in the home. Sometimes buyers ask what the function a specific room has, while looking at the property.
However, on the other hand, when it comes to properties that are occupied, a home that is unattractively decorated in the eyes of the buyer, can be a turn off. Or a home that is cluttered with belongings can "hide" the home. I recently wrote an article about this.
So, does a vacant home show more attractively than a decorated home?
I suppose that really all depends on the decor, doesn't it?
Or will a "well staged" home show the best?
This article is authored by
Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
Palm Bay Florida Real Estate News
I think a perfectly staged home is the best of all options. I have seen horribly decorated homes, very cluttered homes, too personalized homes and many many bank owned homes.
Hi Sandy, I can definitely make an argument for all sides of this subject, but I think that a well staged home DEFINITELY shows the best. However, many homeowners are unwilling to take constructive criticism concerning their home and even less can actually afford a professional stager. I'd rather show a clean, neutralized vacant home than a MESSY occupied home any day though! :-)
Hi Sandy
Vacant homes need to show well and be maintained. If the home is occupied they need to show well with no clutter.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
I think a well-staged, furnished home shows the best, but that's just my opinion. Sometimes, buyers have trouble envisioning their stuff in a vacant house.
Hi Sandy, I would definitely vote for the well staged home in first place, and I agree with you about vacant homes. Sometimes it is hard to visualize where things go and how they fit. If a home is not cluttered or overly "done" I would prefer to see some furniture in it. Builders have known this for many years by decorating their model homes!
I think a well staged home would sell the best, Sandy. But, it can be a toss-up between a poorly decorated home vs a vacant home. You're right about an empty room appearing much smaller than it actually is.
I agree with all of the comments here. I do want to add though that it is less headaches to deal with a seller who is selling a vacant home. One of my seller's won't leave the key in the lockbox, won't keep things straightened and plays really loud music on the weekends and leaves it on when he leaves for the showing. It has been a constant fight since February when the house was listed.
I love the idea of the perfectly staged home though, everything is so perfect.
Happy Sales,
Dawn
Sandy, a staged vacant home is the best way to go. Vacant homes are hard for buyers to visualize---where will the TV go, where to put the couch...we believe that vacant homes should be staged if at all possible.
Heather, Thanks for stopping by with your feedback.
Cheryl, Absolutely point well taken - thanks!
Hi Lou, Thanks, I always love you stopping by.
Jason, I think that buyers do have trouble seeing their things in a vacant home.
Miss Mary, It's ideal to have some sparse furnishings in a home.
Heather, Well staged is number one!
Dawn, Sounds like you have quite a difficult situation there with that seller.
Hi,
I always prefer to show a home that is staged well. I don't think empty homes show as nice. But, on the other side, homes with clutter drive me crazy.
Hi Sandy. If the furnishings are tasteful and the home is not cluttered, let it be furnished. But if the owner or occupant is a pack-rat or there are too many toys or knick-knacks, vacant is better.
It depends! I wholeheartedly agree with your point of view.
Vacant is a lot better than a cluttered and dirty home, but a well "staged" home is the best option of all. It conveys a "warm fuzzy" that the others do not have
You are dead on.....unless the furnishings are too much of a distraction. I had a relo with a great home and horrible furnishings. Luckily the home had wood floors throughout, so when they asked if it were OK to finally move the furniture, I said no prob. It sold quickly thereafter.
Wood floors can allow you to get away with an unfurnished home more than a tile home as wood, usually is so warm and comforting......
Sandy,
I think a vacant home is easier to show but does not necessarily show better.
A well staged home would get my vote. Too much stuff takes away from the home.
Ann
Sandy, Do clothes make the man? I've had buyers who can look at a blank canvas and yell, YES, this is the house. I've also seen dumps, staged beyond belief. It just depends on the buyer!
Vacant is better than over-decorated/cluttered, but some buyers can't picture their things in it; so I'd rather have a properly staged home (not overly done, but looking lived-in).
(I do agree that sometimes, it depends on the buyer, no matter if it's staged or vacant.)
Sandy, I find a vacant house kind of bland. The staged homes that I have seen have the furnishings placed for maximum spaciality! People are coaxed into thinking that the home is larger just by placement of furniture....tricky!
Another thought on vacant homes is that you can always see everything....dents on walls and all the imperfections!
Hi SS, I agree that a poorly furnished or cluttered home doesn't show as well as a vacant home. The well staged home shows the best!!
This is why we have all our property flips staged. Like you said people often have a hard time figuring out how their furniture will fit in a vacant property. Personally I like vacant homes but not everyone can envision a room the way I can. I hear from buyers all the time. "What is this room for?" If only the house was staged they could see for themselves.
Sandy, this question can go either way. Vacant homes can allow people to start seeing in their mind where everything is going to go. An occupied home gives them a layout of where their things can go.
Sandy - I vote for a well staged home but good luck trying to find that on a regular basis.
Well staged or good decorated (and organized) occupied home is best. However I agree with your poorly decorated comment. Also a vacant home that hasn't been cleaned in a while is bad with cobwebs, dust, etc... GOOD POST
Kate, Homes staged well, show well.
Pat, I also think it depends on the situation.
Ellie, True that vacant is better than dirty and cluttered.
Tim, Wood floors are nice and inviting for a home.
Ann, Vacant homes are easier to get into. That's for sure.
Paul, I think you're right that it does depend on the property.
Sylvie, Sometimes it does depend on the buyer.
Caren, So true on a vacant home, we can see the imperfections on the walls.
HI TO, So true, the well staged homes shows best.
Justin, We get that question alot too...what can this room be used for? on vacant homes.
Tony T, Two good points. I agree.
John, We really don't see too many staged homes here.
Wendy, A well staged home does show beautifully.