BOULDER, CO, Apr 26, 2024—Whether you're listing your second home or moved before you could close on your last space, selling a home that's empty can be a bit more challenging than selling something staged.
“Once furniture is removed from the home, you will notice all kinds of imperfections you never paid attention to before – rips in the carpet, holes in the walls, and dinginess,” says Phil Boren, Broker Associate of RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc.. It's true that in an empty house, everything stands out. What you see is what potential buyers will also see. Below are a handful of tips to put your home's best foot forward.
Detail. “You may need to paint, tear up old carpet, and replace the kitchen floor,” suggests Boren. Whatever it takes to make the space feel fresh and flawless.
Stage if you can. To get rid of the “empty house” feeling, leave a few pieces of furniture behind, if you can – simple things like a lamp, chairs, and a table can really transform a room.
Pay special attention to maintenance. “Someone will need to dust and vacuum, leaves will need to be raked, and the grass cut,” says Boren, “especially if you're no longer located near the property and aren't coming by for routine checks.”
Cut the heat. In the winter, consider having the heating system shut down and drained to save money. But keep the electricity running because lights will be needed to show the house.
Sniff test. “Watch out for that musty smell, particularly during the summer months, that settles in from having the windows sealed and locked,” says Boren. And beware of pests such as mice, squirrels, ants and bats.
For more real estate information, please contact RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc. at philboren@gmail.com, 303-441-5647, or RE/MAX of Boulder, Inc..
Phil Boren is a 26-year veteran real estate Broker and Realtor, specializing in consulting with buyers and sellers in Boulder, CO and along the Front Range of Northern Colorado. Held Real Estate Broker's license in Texas, California and Colorado; Managing Broker for over 200 agents and Brokers for Century 21 and RE/MAX franchises. Award-winning Realtor with experience in management, sales, marketing, relocation, appraisal, REO, BPO's, foreclosures, short sales; previously held the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute. Experienced in both residential and commercial real estate and achieved the No. 14 individual ranking in the 5-state, Mt. States Region for RE/MAX International in 2001, based on sales volume. Received my BSBA in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he was a 4-year starter and 4-year football letterman for Hall-of-Fame coach, Lou Holtz.