You read that right. Should you “prep” an empty house? This is not about adding furniture or plants to a vacant home, but it’s about looking at the empty home and making it more appealing to buyers. Not all homes need furniture to sell for top dollar, but even a vacant home needs attention before it’s ready for showing. The key is to remove anything that would distract from a buyer seeing the home in its best light and highlight its best features.
What Should You Remove from a Vacant House?
1. Anything that isn’t clean – Remove dirt from ceiling fans, baseboards, sink, dishwasher, windows, shelves, etc.
2. Leftover Items – Hangers in closets, old batteries from drawers.
3. Cable and Cords – Neaten walls and floors by removing or hiding.
4. Worn or Stained Carpet – Replace old, damaged, stained, or dated carpet.
5. Old Window Treatments – Old dated curtains and tired Venetian blinds are distracting, remove them.
6. Spider Webs and Dust Balls – Check those corners for dead bugs, cobwebs, and dust.
7. Leave Behind Furniture – Don’t be tempted to leave indoor or outdoor furniture you no longer want.
8. Dead Leaves – Clean the yard and remove all debris. Vacant homes offer a blank canvas for buyers’ imaginations.
To sell quickly, make sure the home is clean, fresh, and ready for showing by removing distractions and anything which appears old, dirty, or shabby.