Is Your Home Vacant? Try a Home Tender
Preparing a home for sale can be a difficult task, even if a home is vacant. Sometimes a vacant home does not "show" very well.
These photos are courtesy of Kelly Austin, of Houston Home Tending. Which room looks warmer and more inviting to you? If you chose the bottom picture, you are not alone – most home buyers agree with you.
Furnished Homes Sell Better
The Real Estate Staging Association reports that furnished, decorated, and occupied homes spend up to 78% less time on the market compared to vacant homes. In addition, an occupied home may be less prone to vandalism and can be cheaper to insure. Amazingly, the home tending service that yields these benefits is free to the home owner.
Rules for Home Tenders
The primary objective of a home tending service is to enhance the property so that it sells quickly. Because the home must always smell fresh and clean, home tenders may not smoke or keep pets on the premises. Home tenders must also:
- Pass background, rental history and credit checks,
- Furnish the home and maintain insurance for those furnishings,
- Keep the home in “ready to show” condition seven days a week,
- Pay all charges for utilities,
- Maintain the grounds as needed, including watering, weed removal and pool maintenance,
- Vacate the home for showings and open house dates, and
- Move out promptly (usually within 21 days) when a contract is accepted.
When choosing a home tending service, be certain that the company is properly bonded. The company management must respond promptly and professionally to questions from both the home owner and the Realtor.
And one last helpful hint – ask your potential home tending service how often they “spot check” the properties in their care. I personally find that frequent, unannounced visits keep every home in top condition!
So when preparing a home for sale, consider a home tender if your home is vacant.
Roger Martin