Redfin, a real estate brokerage, recently did a study that stated that homes that were lived in sell for more than vacant homes. On average, vacant homes sold for $11,000.00 less. The study also indicated that on average, a vacant home took an average of six extra days to sell. To some, it makes sense – empty homes are not as appealing. Also, imperfections are easier to see if rugs, coffee tables, beds, etc. are not in the home.
Even though homes that are occupied sell for more and quicker, on average, it is important to keep in mind that the home needs to be neat and decorated well. You can hire a staging company for this if your real estate agent does not offer it. Living in the house is a fine line…clutter and old looking furniture is likely to not help the house sell.
When potential homebuyers look at a house, they want to be able to visualize what the house looks like. If it has furniture from the 1960s, it will be hard for the potential homebuyer to look past it.
If you are on the hunt for a new home, keep this statistic in mind and remember that when you purchase the home, all the nice furniture will not be in the house when you move in! Also remember that statistically speaking, vacant homes sell for less!