Being able to move into your new place before selling your old house may seem like a big advantage. But while it might make the process easier for your family, selling a vacant house often comes with some unique challenges. Empty houses tend to take longer to sell and go for a lower price than occupied Brighton homes for sale. Our REALTORS® have compiled these six tips that will help you sell your vacant home.

1. Stage the House
   Vacant houses tend to be empty and bare since typically the family has already moved their belongings to their new house. But staging your home is one of the most important things you can do to make the house more appealing to buyers. Empty rooms usually look smaller than they actually are. They also make it harder for the potential buyer to picture themselves living there. And it can make any minor flaws really stand out. Placing some furniture in the rooms helps it look occupied, even though it's not. It adds character and charm to the space.
2. Skip the Open House
   Having an open house in a vacant home can be risky. While it's possible that an open house will draw in potential buyers, it also attracts another group – criminals. Potential thieves can attend the open house and scope out the home's layout and entry points under the guise of being interested in purchasing in the house. They could even try to discretely unlock a window in hopes that it will go unnoticed.
3. Install a Security System
   Getting a security system installed with home monitoring can significantly diminish the chances of someone breaking into the home. Alternatively, you could purchase your own home security camera. Putting up a security system sign in the yard or sticker on the window can also work as a deterrent.
4. Keep the House Comfortable
   After you move out, you might be tempted to adjust the temperature on the thermostat or turn the HVAC off altogether. While this may save money on your utilities, it can be costly in other ways. If the weather is cold, this increases the chances of your pipes freezing, which can cause damage to the plumbing in the house. And regardless of whether it's hot or cold, you want potential buyers to feel comfortable when they come to look at your house. Being too hot or cold is a big distraction and may give them a negative impression of your home, which they might have liked otherwise.
5. Make a Good First Impression
   Even though no one is living there, there is still certain maintenance required to keep a vacant house presentable. Making a good first impression is an important step towards making a sale. No one wants to come to look at a house and discover an unkempt yard and cobwebs. Stop by regularly to keep everything in pristine condition or hire a service to do the work for you.
6. Work with a Real Estate Agent
   When you're trying to sell an empty house, it's always good to have someone helping you who knows exactly what they are doing. This is where your real estate agent can really shine. Their experience in presenting and selling vacant homes will be very valuable. You can use their advice to help you get the best price possible when selling your home. If you are planning to sell your home in Livingston, MI, the agents at Griffith Realty would love to help.

For more help with selling your home, or if you are interested in buying one of our Brighton homes for sale, contact Griffith Realty today.