Selling an empty house in Massachusetts can be more challenging than selling a furnished home. When potential buyers walk through a vacant property, it may feel cold, less inviting, and harder to envision as their future home. Without the cozy touches of furniture and décor, empty homes often lack that emotional connection buyers seek. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to make your vacant home more appealing and sell it quickly, even in a competitive market.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover six crucial tips on how to sell an empty house fast in Massachusetts, addressing everything from curb appeal to pricing strategies, marketing, and more.
1. Stage the Home Virtually or Physically
Staging is one of the most effective ways to enhance the appeal of an empty home. Buyers often find it difficult to visualize how the space will look when furnished, and a well-staged home can help them see its true potential. There are two main approaches to staging: virtual and physical. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget and needs.
Virtual Staging
Virtual staging involves adding furniture and décor to photos of your home digitally. This method is cost-effective, fast, and requires no physical items, making it perfect for sellers working with limited resources. There are many companies that specialize in virtual staging, including:
- BoxBrownie: BoxBrownie allows you to upload high-quality photos of your empty rooms and choose from a variety of furniture styles to create virtually staged images.
- VisualStager: This platform gives you the option to stage the home yourself using their drag-and-drop system, helping you showcase the best features of your property.
- Virtually Staging Properties (VSP): VSP is known for producing realistic virtual staging for real estate listings, making your home look warm and inviting without the need for physical items.
Physical Staging
If you want to go the extra mile, hiring a professional stager to bring in real furniture and décor can have a powerful impact. Physical staging allows potential buyers to experience the space as they walk through it, giving them a better sense of how the rooms can be used.
In Massachusetts, staging companies often target key areas of the home such as the living room, dining room, and master bedroom. Staging can create a welcoming atmosphere, making your house feel like a home rather than just an empty building.
Why Staging Matters: Staged homes not only sell faster but also tend to sell for a higher price. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 83% of buyers find it easier to visualize a property as their future home when it’s staged. This is especially important in Massachusetts, where home prices can be competitive.
2. Boost Curb Appeal
When selling an empty house, first impressions are critical. The exterior of your property is the first thing potential buyers will see, whether they’re viewing it online or visiting in person. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can make a lasting impact and encourage buyers to take a closer look.
Landscaping
One of the simplest ways to improve curb appeal is through landscaping. Make sure the lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and the garden is weeded. If the house is vacant, hiring a landscaper to keep the yard in shape is a wise investment. You might also consider adding a few potted plants or fresh flowers to brighten up the entrance.
Exterior Cleaning and Repairs
Power-washing the driveway, sidewalks, and exterior siding can make a big difference in how your home looks. In Massachusetts, where weather conditions can be tough on properties, it’s important to address any visible wear and tear. Repainting the front door, repairing damaged gutters, or replacing old lighting fixtures are small but impactful improvements that can set your property apart.
Lighting
If you’re scheduling evening showings, make sure the home has proper outdoor lighting. Replace any dim or broken bulbs in porch lights, and consider adding pathway lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere at night.
Why Curb Appeal Matters: Homes with strong curb appeal not only get more foot traffic but also create a positive emotional connection with buyers. According to a study by Michigan State University, homes with better landscaping and exterior presentation sell for 5-11% more than those with poor curb appeal.
3. Take High-Quality Photos and Videos
When selling an empty home, the quality of your online listing photos and videos can make or break your chances of a fast sale. Empty rooms tend to look larger, but they can also appear less inviting or sterile if not captured correctly. Investing in professional real estate photography and video services can showcase your property in its best light.
Hiring a Professional Photographer
Professional photographers specialize in making homes look spacious, well-lit, and appealing. They know how to use natural light, angles, and composition to highlight your home’s strengths. A well-photographed listing is more likely to catch the attention of potential buyers scrolling through online listings.
Adding Virtual Tours
In today’s digital age, many buyers rely on virtual tours to get a feel for a property before they decide to visit. This is especially important in Massachusetts, where out-of-state buyers may be looking for homes remotely. Adding a 3D walkthrough using tools like Matterport can give buyers the opportunity to explore your home from the comfort of their own devices. Virtual tours provide an immersive experience, making it easier for buyers to visualize themselves in the space.
Why High-Quality Media Matters: According to a study by Redfin, homes with professional real estate photos sell for $3,400 to $11,200 more than homes without them. Additionally, listings with virtual tours receive 87% more views than those without.
4. Price the Home Competitively
Pricing an empty home correctly is crucial to attracting the right buyers. Empty homes often carry a stigma — some buyers assume the property has been on the market for a long time or that there are issues that caused the previous owners to leave. Setting a competitive price can alleviate these concerns and generate immediate interest.
Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a report that compares your home to similar properties that have recently sold in your area. A local real estate agent in Massachusetts can help you gather this data and determine the best listing price. Factors to consider include the size of the home, location, condition, and recent sale prices of similar homes in your neighborhood.
Avoid Overpricing
While it may be tempting to price your home higher to leave room for negotiations, overpricing can be detrimental, especially with an empty property. If buyers perceive the home as overpriced, it may sit on the market longer, leading to more price reductions over time. This can create a negative perception and further delay the sale.
Why Pricing Matters: Homes that are priced competitively from the start tend to sell faster and for closer to the asking price. In fact, a well-priced home is more likely to generate multiple offers, giving you leverage in negotiations.
5. Keep the Home Clean and Well-Maintained
An empty house can quickly accumulate dust, dirt, and grime, especially if it’s been vacant for an extended period. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keeping the property in showing condition. Buyers are more likely to be turned off by a dirty or neglected home, even if it’s empty.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
If you don’t live near the property or are too busy to clean it yourself, hire a professional cleaning service to come in regularly. Clean windows, floors, countertops, and bathrooms to ensure the home looks fresh and inviting during every showing.
Address Minor Repairs
Small repairs can go a long way in making your empty home more appealing. Fix any leaky faucets, replace broken tiles, or repaint walls that have scuffs or chips. Minor issues can detract from a buyer’s overall impression of the home, so it’s important to address them early.
Inspect for Pests
Empty homes can sometimes attract pests like rodents, insects, or birds. Schedule regular pest control visits to ensure the property remains pest-free. Buyers will be more willing to make an offer if they know the home is well-maintained and free of any hidden problems.
Why Maintenance Matters: A well-maintained home signals to buyers that the property has been cared for, reducing concerns about potential problems. Clean and tidy homes are also more likely to sell faster and for a higher price.
6. Target Cash Buyers or Investors
One of the fastest ways to sell an empty house in Massachusetts is by targeting cash buyers or real estate investors. Cash buyers are often looking for properties they can purchase quickly and with minimal hassle. Many cash buyers specialize in buying homes “as-is,” meaning they won’t require extensive repairs or upgrades before closing.
Real Estate Investors
Investors are always on the lookout for vacant homes they can flip or rent out. Marketing your empty home to real estate investors can speed up the selling process since they often move quickly to close deals. Investors are typically less concerned with staging and emotional connections, making them ideal buyers for empty homes.
“We Buy Houses” Companies
There are many companies in Massachusetts that specialize in buying homes for cash, often known as “we buy houses” companies. These companies typically offer a fair price based on the current market value and condition of the home, and they can close in as little as seven days. If you’re looking to sell fast, reaching out to these companies can be an effective solution.
Why Targeting Cash Buyers Matters: Cash buyers can close deals faster than traditional buyers, often without the need for financing contingencies. This can reduce the time your home sits on the market and help you avoid complications during the closing process.
Final Thoughts
Selling an empty house in Massachusetts can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely possible to sell it quickly and at a great price. By staging the property, boosting curb appeal, setting a competitive price, and targeting cash buyers, you can turn a vacant home into an attractive investment for the right buyer. Don’t forget to maintain the property’s cleanliness and use high-quality photos to present your home in the best light. These strategies will not only help you sell faster but also ensure you get the best offer.
If you’re looking to sell your empty house fast, Custom Realty Solutions, LLC can help. We specialize in buying homes for cash, even if they’re vacant or in need of repairs. Reach out to us today for a quick, hassle-free offer!