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My preference is with furniture, but think minimalist. It helps to show a room's intended use without creating too many distractions with unnecessary stuff and fluff. To the pets question, I love them, but they're also a large distraction and often times one or more of the buyers will have either allergies or fear of the pets. At a minimum, all the pets should be crated if left home during showings. JMHO.
Homes that show well usually sell for more than homes that are vacant.
It all depends on what's inside a home. It can be furnished and not show as well as a vacant home.
As a buyer/ buyer's agent I love vacant homes. It tells me the owners are more likely to be motivated. As a seller/listing agent, I prefer to show furnished.
Bingo. As a buyer right now, I like vacant as they smell like DESPERATION to me!
Statistics consistently bear out the above -- vacant homes take longer to sell and sell for a smaller percentage of listing price. SO if you want to look "desperate" or "distressed" go ahead and show it vacant.
If you wanna at least TRY to make it look like you really want something close to your listing price then I STRONGLY recommend you try NOT to make it look like everyone is gone for good...
I prefer to list and show homes that are vacant. Here are the reasons:
1. Vacant homes don't require making appointments.
2. I don't feel like I have to rush my buyers because the seller is waiting to get back home.
3. Buyers feel less like they're invading some one's privacy.
4. The home tends to be more neutral without the buyers' belongings.
5. As a listing agent I can better stage the home when it's vacant.
6. The home appears larger and brighter without personal belongings in it.
7. The buyer and home inspector can inspect the home more closly withour haveing to move rugs and furniture.
I've had no problem selling vacant homes - and with 3 dogs there's just no way I could sell a house while living in it. I'd go insane! I'm not "desparate" to sell though as I always plan carefully and can easily afford both mortgages. My last two vacant homes sold in 1 day and 10 days. Before that it took me about two months to sell a house, but I blame myself for getting it on the market too late in the fall. It would have sold quickly annd for more money in the spring.
I also prefer to buy vacant homes - then I don't have to worry about delayed closings because the seller can't get all their junk out in time (this has happened to me). I also get a much clearer view of what work the house needs without 10 years worth of stuff everywhere.
Much of your question depends on your furniture & furnishings. If you have nice furnishings that add too or highlight a home it will show better furnished.
I've been in many homes where the furniture is a carry over from the college dumpster collection and the house is better empty. Adding to this is the magic question of "How good of a house keeper are you ? "
I opened an oven yesterday and saw about 4 pairs of shoes.
Hmmm... Did the home smell like fresh bread?
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