Is your vacant property just rotting on the market? The longer a property sits vacant the worse it looks. The obvious issues are the the DOM being affected, price reductions required to generate interest and the ever present carrying costs. Additionally the property just naturally starts to deteriorate. Garbage blows in the yard, uncollected, vandals paint the fence, winds blow out a screen, dead bugs fill up the floors and window sills, dust bunnies collect, the fridge starts to smell and spiders come up the drain. This does not send the message that "we deserve full price."

I recently viewed a property where the sellers have neglected weekly checks and responsibilty. This resulted in the gas and power being shut off, the house was freezing and the tub was running a constant stream of water that could not be shut off. The concern of course in the winter is pipes freezing, which of course would cause severe damage. It's a recipe for disaster.

It also creates an invitation for vandals or even worse squatters. Yes, this property suffered from a squatter at one point.

If you are serious about selling your vacant home, it will benefit from upkeep, cleaning, utilities paid and keeping the home warm, garbage collected, mail collected, yard work kept up and of course Staging. If you walk away from your responsibilities and let the property condition slide you are truly throwing money away. A buyer will see all the "needs" and it will translate into dollars OFF their offer. It's your choice.

For more information on Preparation for Staging and Selling see www.stageandsell.ca or call us at 780.452.4527 

simply irresistible interiors inc.

Western Canada’s Leading Home Staging Company 

Copyright© 2012 by Jill Gargus.