Do empty houses sell faster?
This is something a lot of people wonder about when trying to sell a home.
The answer isn’t as straightforward as some would like.
An empty house can be a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, it’s easy for the new owners to move in.
On the other, an empty house lacks the warmth needed to win buyers over during showings.
Let’s explore why some empty houses take longer to sell, and what you can do to speed things up.
Advantages of an Empty House
Selling an empty house has some distinct advantages.
Flexibility for Showings
An empty house offers incredible flexibility for showings.
A showing is when a real estate agent gives prospective buyers an in-person tour of the house.
Since no one currently resides in an empty house, real estate agents can show the house at any time.
This accessibility means more interested buyers see the property.
The more buyers see the property, the higher the chances are of the seller getting an offer.
Real Estate Investors: A Different Kind of Buyer
Empty houses are also appealing to real estate investors.
Investors are usually looking for properties they can renovate or flip.
They’re less concerned about how cozy the house feels and more focused on its potential for profit.
They’re also often willing to buy houses as-is (no repairs, renovations, etc.).
In such cases, an empty house is more convenient and, therefore, more appealing.
Disadvantages of an Empty House
There are some notable drawbacks to selling an empty house.
Visualization Challenges
One of the biggest obstacles in selling empty houses is that buyers struggle to picture themselves living there.
Imagine walking into an empty house.
It feels bare and lifeless.
Without furniture, rooms can look smaller.
It’s also tough to see how you’d use the space without chairs, tables, or beds to use as a reference.
When a home is furnished, it’s easier for buyers to visualize their own lives there.
That emotional connection is often crucial for getting offers.
Perceived Value and Flaws
Empty homes also highlight flaws.
When there’s no furniture to distract from imperfections, buyers notice everything.
Scuffed floors, tiny nail holes, or chipped paint become more obvious.
This can lead to lower offers or a longer time on the market.
If buyers see an empty home with small, visible flaws, they may wonder if there are bigger issues that aren’t being disclosed.
Market Signals and Assumptions
An empty house can send the wrong message.
Buyers may think the seller is desperate to get rid of it.
They might assume the owner has already moved out and wants to close the deal quickly.
This encourages them to make lower offers.
They think the seller’s desperation will make them more open to unfair negotiations.
Even if the house is in great shape, being empty can make it seem less valuable.
The Staging Solution
When it comes to selling property, staging is often the key to speeding up the process.
Staging means setting up furniture and decor to make a home look inviting.
According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged ones.
Staging helps buyers picture themselves living in the house.
This increases the chances of them placing an offer.
The Benefits of Staging
Staging makes a house feel more like a home.
It also helps hide minor flaws, like scratches on the floor or small dents in the walls.
Good staging can impress potential buyers.
Impressed buyers are more likely to overlook tiny imperfections.
Even if you can’t stage every room, focusing on the main areas like the living room and master bedroom can make a big impact.
What Are the Hardest Months to Sell a House?
Timing plays a big role in how fast a house sells.
The hardest months to sell a house are typically November through February.
This is because people are busy preparing or traveling for the holidays.
The cold weather also makes house hunting less appealing.
During this time, fewer buyers are looking. So homes tend to stay on the market longer.
If your house is empty during these months, the lack of warmth and coziness may even drive buyers away.
It’s not impossible to sell, but you may have to work harder to attract buyers.
How Quickly Do Most Houses Sell?
How long does it usually take for a house to sell?
The answer depends on the market and the time of year.
On average, most homes in the United States take around 55 to 70 days to sell, from listing to closing.
This includes about 30 days to get an offer and another 30 to 40 days to close.
In a seller’s market, where there are more buyers than homes, a house might sell even faster.
But in a buyer’s market, the process can take longer.
This is when there are more homes than interested buyers.
In the case of cash offers, homes can be sold in as little as seven to 21 days.
What Types of Homes Sell the Fastest?
Certain types of homes tend to sell faster than others — regardless of whether they’re empty or occupied.
A home with great curb appeal located in a desirable neighborhood will sell quite quickly.
More so if it’s move-in-ready.
Other big selling points include:
- Updated kitchens
- Modern bathrooms
- Open floor plans
- Homes near good schools
- Homes near public transportation
For instance, a home in a family-friendly neighborhood is appealing.
But a home in the same neighborhood with a freshly remodeled kitchen might attract more buyers.
Buyers often make decisions based on location and convenience.
If an empty house has more than one big selling point, it’ll easily get offers.
Staging it can also help maximize its appeal.
Verdict: Do Empty Houses Sell Faster?
If the market is hot and there are more buyers than homes, an empty house might sell quickly.
The fact that it’s ready for immediate move-in can be a big plus.
But in a slower market, an empty house is likely to sit longer due to visualization issues or perceived flaws.
Buyers may struggle to connect with a vacant space.
The lack of furniture can also highlight flaws.
So if you’re selling during the tough months of winter, chairs, couches, or a coffee table can make a huge difference.
Do empty houses sell faster?
Ultimately, the answer is: it depends.