House Sales: Staged vs Empty House? (rental, countertops, condo)

[Ellwood]

Does anyone have any input on whether a house sells better with furniture or empty?

[judogl44]

From our experience-furnished. Our broker told us it is definitely more difficult to sell an empty house.Our home was beautifully decorated and sold in 3 months. We are now selling our current home and have been told "it's beautifully staged"-I hate that term. Our home isn't "staged"-it's how we live. Good luck.

[tahiti]

it's proven a furnished house, done properly, sells quicker than unfurnished. i'm in the minority however and prefer to see houses empty.

[BobKovacs]

Most people can't relate the size of an empty space to how it will look furnished. Even though it's not "their" furniture in the space, having furniture provides a sense of scale for the rooms. As already said, a properly furnished home with no clutter and not too many "personal" items will typically outsell an empty house hands down.

Bob

[susienj]

Staged is definately better.

[ehs]

For first time buyer on condo or townhouse, especially, rental property, vacant could be easier to sell since hundreds of prospective buyers may need to move right in after they receive rental hike notice from rental office with only 60 days to buy, mortgage, ... and move.

If the condo/townhouse is currently renting, it is not only hard to show, some tenant's furniture may not look good that make the condo/townhouse value less, or even turn buyers away.

So, it could be much easier after current tenant moved out or seller moved to bigger house and upkeep the condo/townhouse and show it.

Again, it all depends on if furniture and decoration will add value to the unit. Nice new furniture does add some value.

[krusher]

For first time buyer on condo or townhouse, especially, rental property, vacant could be easier to sell since hundreds of prospective buyers may need to move right in after they receive rental hike notice

When I see a home with no furniture in it, I instantly drop my offer price about 30% in my head, figuring the original owner is in some kind of predicament.

[FergusonDechert]

Staging is very important. But more important to staging in tidyness. The majority of resale home seller are living in their homes while trying to sell them.
The most important things to remember is:
A. GET THEM IN THE DOOR a1. keep the lawn mowed, flower beds and gardens tidy, and dead trees removed. a2. powerwash siding and decks if needed. a3. keep outdoor kids toys to a minimum. a4. color is good (plant flowers or paint shutters) a5. a new mailbox is a nice touch.
B. ONCE INSIDE, MAKE THEM WANT TO STAY b1. keep kitchen and bath countertops clean and clear of misc. debris. b2. Organized closets look bigger than cluttered closets. b3. if u have cats, keep the litter box spotless. b4. mild scents are ok, but no inscents or overpowering candles (buyers think you are hiding something) b5. declutter as much as possible - knick-knacks and collections are yours; give buyers space to envision having their quirky collections on display. b6. remove dustbunnies and cobwebs.

People generally want to see how furniture fits into a space. They know they are not getting your furniture. Many vacant rooms actually appear smaller, conversely a room with furniture may appear larger and more functional. This is why builders furnish a model home.

Good luck in selling your homes!

[Ellwood]

Thanks for all your input. We will probably put the townhouse on the market in January, but are in a position there is no rush to sell.

[bryansirikwan]

Originally Posted by krusher

When I see a home with no furniture in it, I instantly drop my offer price about 30% in my head, figuring the original owner is in some kind of predicament.

what kind of predicament is going to make someone sell the house for 30% less than its worth? none that i know of