Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale | Homes for sale in Rochester, NY, LOCAL Rochester real estate listings, market data, REALTOR® info, and high quality content updated every 15 minutes! Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:50:30 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-SITE-LOGO-512-x-512-1-32x32.png 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House – Rochester Real Estate | LOCAL Homes For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com 32 32 June Home Maintenance Checklist: 40+ Must-Do Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-home-maintenance-checklist-summer-prep/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20501 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> May Home Maintenance Checklist: 30 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Home for Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-home-maintenance-checklist/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20484 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> April Home Maintenance Checklist: How To Prepare Your Rochester NY Home For Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/april-home-maintenance-checklist/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20364 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> March Home Maintenance Checklist: Get Your New York Home Ready for Spring https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/march-home-maintenance-checklist/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=20338 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Buy a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buy-a-house-in-new-york/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19906 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Sell a House in New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-a-house-in-new-york/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19905 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Risks of Buying a Non-Warrantable Condo In New York: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/non-warrantable-condo/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19796 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Builders Should Know About Spec Construction Loans In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/builders-spec-construction-loans/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19795 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Moving To The Finger Lakes Region Of New York | Guide To Relocating To The Finger Lakes https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-to-the-finger-lakes-region/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19875 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Navigating the Numbers: The Pros and Cons of Using Online Home Value Estimators For New York Real Estate https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-online-home-value-estimators/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19794 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Role of Location in Home Valuation In New York https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/role-of-location-home-valuation/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19768 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Lowe’s vs U-Haul: A Review of Truck Rental Companies https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/lowes-vs-uhaul/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19758 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Understanding the Importance of a Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/property-condition-disclosure-statement/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19632 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What are Delayed Showings and Negotiations in Real Estate In New York? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/delayed-showings-negotiations/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19547 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 8 Viable Tactics to Selling Your Home and Moving Out of State https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-moving-out-of-state/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19542 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Unconventional Methods for Selling a House: Thinking Outside the Box https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/unconventional-methods-for-selling-a-house/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19519 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should I Sell My House Off Market: Pros and Cons Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/sell-house-off-market/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19503 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What is PITI and How Does It Affect Your Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-is-piti/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19498 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Set A Home Renovation Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-renovation-budget/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19490 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Does A Co-Borrowers Credit Scores Affect A Home Purchase? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/co-borrower-credit-score/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19474 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> New Construction Final Walk-Through Checklist: Ensuring a Seamless Home Inspection https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/new-construction-final-walk-through/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19458 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Essential Tips for Pumping a Septic Tank: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pumping-a-septic-tank/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19450 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Can You Submit Multiple Offers On Homes At Once – A Legal And Ethical Analysis https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/multiple-offers-on-homes-at-once/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19414 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Get Your Home Photo Ready for Real Estate Listings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-photo-ready/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19409 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Does a Home Builder’s Warranty Cover? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-builders-warranty/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19394 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> July 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/july-2023-rochester-ny-real-estate-market-update/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19403 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Who Pays Real Estate Commission When You Buy or Sell a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-commission/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19366 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Quitclaim Deeds: What You Need to Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/quitclaim-deeds/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19358 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What to Know About Selling a Home As Is for Cash https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/selling-home-as-is-cash/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19347 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Know if My House Has Paranormal Activity https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/is-my-house-haunted/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19342 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Why Find The History of a House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/find-history-house/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19316 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> June 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/june-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19313 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-lawyer/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19181 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> May 2023 Greater Rochester NY Area Real Estate Market Update https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/may-2023-rochester-ny-area-real-estate-market-update/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19162 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What to Know About Buying a Home For The First Time https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-home-first-time/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=19058 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> <strong>What Should a Buyer Look For at a Home Inspection?</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-look-for-home-inspection/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18983 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Companies That Buy Houses For Cash Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/companies-buy-houses-for-cash/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18889 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Does Home Staging Work and What is The Cost? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/does-home-staging-work/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18814 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What to Avoid When Getting a Mortgage https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/avoid-when-getting-mortgage/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18797 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> <strong>5 Options For Replacing a Roof Reviewed</strong> https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/replacing-roof/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18771 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Are Restrictive Covenants in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/restrictive-covenants/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18714 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Can The Court Force The Sale of Your House in Divorce? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/court-force-sale-divorce/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18693 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Real Estate Agent vs. Broker: What&#8217;s The Difference? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-vs-broker/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18650 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Determine Square Feet In Your House For More Accurate Property Estimates https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/determine-square-feet/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18167 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 3 Things That Often Results in a Real Estate Agent Getting Sued https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/real-estate-agent-sued/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18133 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Top 5 Types Of Home Inspections Buyers Should Consider https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-types-home-inspections/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18119 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Pros And Cons Of Rent To Own Homes: What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pros-cons-rent-own-homes/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18104 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 5 Smart Things To Do Before Moving That Will Help Ease Your Transition https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-before-moving/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18084 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Become a Real Estate Agent https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/become-real-estate-agent/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=18071 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Renting A House Or An Apartment: Which Is The Better Option https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-house-apartment/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17871 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The 5 Most Important Factors To Consider When Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-factors-buying-house/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17851 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Buyers And Sellers Need To Know About An Appraisal Gap https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/appraisal-gap/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17827 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Pros And Cons Of Renting With Roommates – What You Need To Know https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/renting-with-roommates/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17794 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 6 Things You Should Know About Buying Land https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-know-buying-land/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17773 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Long Should Home Sellers Wait To Respond To An Offer On Their Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-sellers-wait-respond-offer/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=17745 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Buy A House With A Low Credit Score https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-buy-a-house-with-a-low-credit-score/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16819 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Things To Consider When Shipping A Car https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/things-to-consider-when-shipping-a-car/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16248 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Home Depot Truck Rentals: What to Know Including Pricing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/home-depot-truck-rentals-what-to-know-including-pricing/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16156 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 16 Things To Do Before Listing Your Home For Sale https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/16-things-to-do-before-listing-your-home-for-sale/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16138 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-home-inspection-mistakes-to-avoid/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16112 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Ability To Buy A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-credit-score-impacts-buying-house/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16086 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Winter Home Selling Mistakes | 7 Errors Made While Selling A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-winter-home-selling-mistakes/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16051 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Winter Home Buying Mistakes | 11 Errors Made While Buying A House During The Winter https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-home-buying-mistakes/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=16013 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Address Change Form Should I Use At The Post Office? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/address-change-form-post-office/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15981 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Does Contingent Status Mean in Real Estate? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-does-contingent-status-mean-real-estate/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15956 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> DIY Renovation Ideas For Your Backyard https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/diy-renovation-ideas-backyard/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15937 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Rent Your First Apartment Guide https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-rent-an-apartment/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15931 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Tips For Selling A Home Virtually https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-selling-a-home-virtually/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15907 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Complete Winter Storage Checklist For Your Belongings https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/winter-storage-checklist/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15885 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should I Waive My Home Inspection When Buying A House? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-waive-my-home-inspection/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15870 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Biggest Self Storage Companies Reviewed https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/biggest-self-storage-companies/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15836 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Earnest Money and House Deposits Explained https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/earnest-money-house-deposits-explained/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15760 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Moving Mistakes To Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/moving-mistakes-to-avoid/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15568 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Mortgage Myths | Demystifying Common Home Loan Misconceptions https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-mortgage-myths/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=15102 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-mistakes/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14815 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 10 Tips For Adding Appeal To Your Home This Summer https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/10-tips-adding-appeal-to-home-this-summer/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=14237 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Exploring The Merits of Smart Home Technology When Selling a Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/smart-home-technology-selling-a-home/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13782 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top Frequently Asked Questions From Home Sellers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-frequently-asked-questions-home-sellers/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2424 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> First Time Home Buyer Programs In Rochester NY &#8211; Updated January 2025 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/first-time-home-buyer-programs/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock http://rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=580 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How New Doors &#038; Windows Can Boost Your Home Value https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-new-doors-windows-boost-your-home-value/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13643 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top 5 Things To Know When Flipping Your First House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-things-to-know-when-flipping-your-first-house/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13574 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Are The Best Mortgage Options for Self Employed Borrowers? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/mortgage-options-for-self-employed-borrowers/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13450 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Top 10 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-10-best-places-see-christmas-lights-rochester-ny/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=10236 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Are The PROs And CONs Of Multifamily Homes? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-multifamily-homes/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13219 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> What Low-Cost Home Improvements Should You Make Before Selling Your Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/low-cost-home-improvements-you-should-make-before-selling-your-home/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13114 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 15 Things Millennial Home Buyers Look At While Buying A House https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/15-things-millennial-home-buyers-look-at-while-buying-a-house/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=13028 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How Does A Fence Increase The Value Of Your Home https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-does-a-fence-increase-the-value-of-your-home/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12995 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 5 Simple &#038; Low Cost Fixes To Make Your Home More Appealing To Buyers https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/5-simple-and-low-cost-fixes-to-make-your-home-more-appealing-to-buyers/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12779 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How To Improve A Homes Curb Appeal In Rochester NY https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-improve-a-homes-curb-appeal-rochester-ny/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12665 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 7 Ways to Create an Energy-Efficient Home While Conserving Your Budget https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/7-ways-create-an-energy-efficient-home/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12633 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Hiring Movers Vs. Moving Yourself | The PROs &#038; CONs Of Each https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/hiring-movers-vs-moving-yourself/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12592 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should You Pay Off Student Loans Before Purchasing a Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/pay-off-student-loans-before-purchasing-a-home/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12531 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Should I Build A New Home Or Buy An Existing Home? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/should-i-build-a-new-home-or-buy-an-existing-home/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=2497 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> Buying A Condo Vs. Renting A Condo | What Are The PROs &#038; CONs? https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/buying-a-condo-vs-renting-a-condo/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12402 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 9 Money Saving Moving Tips | How To Cut Costs When Moving https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/9-money-saving-moving-tips/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12341 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> How to Create a Proper Home Maintenance Checklist https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/how-to-create-a-proper-home-maintenance-checklist/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12300 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> 5 Tips For Tenant Screening | How To Weed Out Bad Tenant Applicants https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/tips-for-tenant-screening/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12291 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Best Social Media Blogs For Real Estate From 2017 https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-social-media-blogs-2017/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12045 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Best Home Improvement Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Remodeling https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-home-improvement-blogs-2017/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12044 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]> The Best Mortgage Blogs From 2017 | Advice For Home Financing https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/best-mortgage-blogs-2017/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 11:00:40 +0000 Kyle Hiscock https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/?p=12043 How To Sell A Vacant House [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="450" class=" "]10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home 10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home[/caption] When selling your home, it's common you may experience some stress, feel a bit uncomfortable, and even have some anxiety.  These feelings are usually magnified when selling your home while it's vacant. The truth is that even though most human beings are hard-working, considerate, and law abiding citizens, there are always some people however, who are not.  When selling a vacant home, the probability of a home being vandalized, damaged, or broken into does increase. Recently during the sale of a vacant home in Rochester, NY was broken into and damaged.  The criminal(s) who broke into the home stole the copper, likely to sell for money.  Whether this unfortunate and disturbing crime could have been avoided is unknown.  There are however precautions and tips that can be practiced to help increase the chances that horrible criminal acts do not happen when selling a vacant home.

Below is a short video covering the best tips for selling a vacant house.  Following these tips can make a huge difference in keeping your vacant house safe while it's for sale.

If you're looking for a more in-depth breakdown of the 10 tips discussed in the video, continue reading.  Below are detailed explanations and examples on why these top 10 tips are so important!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #1: Alert Local Law Enforcement

As a resident of your local municipality, you are required to pay taxes.  The money you work hard to earn helps cover expenses and salaries of local governmental departments and their employees, such as the local police department. Make the local authorities aware that your home is for sale and ask if they can keep an eye on your property.  Many local law enforcement agencies will make note of your vacant home and often will make additional "drive-by's" in your neighborhood.  A quick phone call to the local police department can help reduce the possibility of a problem when selling your vacant home. It's extra important to alert local law enforcement is important when selling a home from long distance!

Vacant Home Selling Tip #2: Contact Your Neighbors

Hopefully while you lived in your now vacant home that you are selling, you weren't a "bad neighbor."  It's a great idea to alert your neighbors if you are planning on selling your home while it's vacant.  Ask them to keep an eye on your home, as you may not be able to do so.  Many neighborhoods have watch groups or associations.  In addition to asking your neighbors to keep an eye on your vacant home, you may also want to ask your real estate agent if they can periodically check on your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #3: Stage To Reflect An Occupied Home

Even though you may not be living in your home doesn't mean that it has to be empty.  When selling your home, it's extremely likely that photos will be taken of the interior.  There are criminals, believe it or not, who will look online at photos of listings to see if they are empty.  Photos of empty homes can give the impression of an easy target to potential criminals. There are simple staging tips that can help sell homes but also by leaving some small furniture such as tables, chairs, or couches in the rooms, can deter criminals from thinking your home is vacant.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #4: Consider Whether Open Houses Are Worth The Risk

When selling your home, you will have the opportunity to allow or not allow open houses.  There are many things that should be considered when deciding to have open houses or not. There are many real estate agents who will tell you open houses should be done every weekend or at least every couple weekends to get your house sold.  There are other real estate agents who will tell you open houses are a big waste of time for a seller and the only reason for open houses is for the real estate agent to pick up potential clients.  For the most part, there are more drawbacks to holding open houses when selling your home. When selling your home while it's vacant, the drawbacks are even greater.  It's a fact that criminals have used open houses as an opportunity to "stake" out their next target.  If your home is vacant and completely empty, it's possible that the "prospective buyers" coming to the open houses are actually not interested in buying your home at all.  These "prospective buyers" could be using this time to figure out the easiest and quickest way to enter your residence, unlock an accessible window in the hopes it doesn't get locked after the open house, or to just scope your neighborhoods activity.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #5: Secure Possible Entrances

[caption id="attachment_1721" align="aligncenter" width="450"]When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances When Selling Your Vacant Home Secure All Possible Entrances[/caption] Securing all possible entrances may sound like common sense but there are many sellers who fall short in executing this.  Whether it's leaving a first floor window open or a sliding glass door, making sure your vacant home is secured is critical. A few extra precautions that can be taken include adding deadbolt locks to all doors, chains to doors, and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.  The more time it takes a criminal to gain access to a vacant home, the greater the probability someone may see this unwanted "guest" attempting to access your vacant home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #6: Install A Security System

Like securing all possible entrances, installing a security system may sound like an obvious tip for selling a vacant home.  In most communities, there are several companies who install security systems and monitor homes.  There are monthly or yearly fees to these systems, but a security system can greatly reduce the probability of a break-in to a vacant home. Nowadays there are some fantastic smart home technologies that you can use in your vacant house to help keep an eye on it while it's for sale.  Smart home technologies have impacted the real estate immensely, in fact, homes with smart home technologies will typically sell for more money and in a shorter amount of time. If you are unable to or unwilling to pay for this service, another alternative that is much less expensive, is buying a security system sign or sticker for your window from your local hardware store is a good idea.  You may know there is no security system installed in your vacant home, however, a potential criminal may not and this could potentially deter them from entering your home.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #7: Retrieve Mail and Newspapers Regularly

If you have overflowing mail in your mailbox or a stack of newspapers on your front step of your vacant home, you might as well put a "this home is vacant" sign on the outside of your home.  If you are unable to retrieve your mail and newspapers from your vacant home, ask a neighbor, friend, or relative to stop by a few times a week to empty your mailbox. It's recommended that when you change addresses, you inform the local post-office and the local newspaper company.  You can have all of your mail forwarded to your new address, which eliminates the chance you will have an overflowing mailbox or stack of newspapers on your front step.  Having your mail forwarded can be done in a few minutes by accessing the United States Postal Service website.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #8: Keep Lights On

Another simple precaution that can be taken when selling your vacant home is leaving lights on.  Certainly having lights on during the day is not necessary and also a waste of energy and money, however, once the sun is down, it's strongly suggested. Interior lights can be set up on timers, which can be purchased cheaply at a local hardware store.  These timers are able to be set for an on and off time.  By having interior lights on at your vacant home can portray that someone is living there or is currently inside the home. When selling your vacant home, it's also suggested you have exterior lights on to keep the home well lit.  Nothing screams "vacant home" more than a poorly lit exterior of a home.  A poorly lit exterior can allow a criminal the comfort of not having to worry about someone seeing them entering your home. Purchasing motion activated lights for the exterior of your home is suggested.  Similar to timers, exterior motion lights can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #9: Maintain Curb Appeal

[caption id="attachment_1723" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home Exterior Maintenance is Important When Selling a Vacant Home[/caption] Just like having a poorly lit home screams "vacant home," not maintaining the exterior of your vacant home will do the same.  Make sure when selling your vacant home that you have the grass cut, driveway snow-plowed, or flowers watered.  A home with well maintained curb appeal is a sign that the home is visited often enough to keep it well maintained.  If your vacant home has overgrown grass, weed filled flower beds, or three feet of snow on the driveway, this can portray nobody is around to care for the home, making it an easy target for potential break-ins. Not only will maintaining the curb appeal help deter criminals it also is important to the sale of the vacant home.  Perspective buyers will often drive-by homes and through neighborhoods before looking at a homes interior.  If your vacant home does not have a well maintained exterior, it can have potential buyers steering clear of it.

Vacant Home Selling Tip #10: Maintain A Reasonable Temperature

When selling your vacant home, it's important to keep the temperature inside reasonable.  There are many reasons why you should NOT turn off the utilities in a vacant home. First and foremost, if you live in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing, you need to ensure your pipes do not freeze!  Keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature, which can vary between 50-60 degrees.  This will ensure the pipes do not freeze and also that your energy bills aren't astronomical. Another reason to keep your vacant home at a reasonable temperature is for private showings.  If your vacant home is being showed by a Realtor during the warmest day of the summer and it's 85 degrees inside your central air conditioned home, a potential buyer may be so uncomfortable that they cannot focus on actually looking at your home.  Same goes for a buyer who is viewing your vacant home during the winter months! Certainly when selling a home that is vacant, you hope for a quick and seamless sale.  The majority of vacant home sales go smoothly and have no issues with criminal activity, however, that is not always the case.  By following the above tips when selling your vacant home, you greatly reduce the chance of there being an issue.

Other Home Selling Resources

If you are considering selling your vacant home in Rochester, NY, contact us for a free and no-obligation analysis of your home.  We'd be happy to give you tips to help sell your vacant home in a short amount of time for the maximum value.
About the authors:  The above article "10 Tips for Selling Your Vacant Home | How To Sell A Vacant House" was provided by Kyle Hiscock of The Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group.  With over 35 years combined experience, if you’re thinking of selling or buying, we’d love to share our knowledge and expertise. We service the following Greater Rochester NY areas: Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Pittsford, Fairport, Brighton, Greece, Gates, Hilton, Brockport, Mendon, Henrietta, Perinton, Churchville, Scottsville, East Rochester, Rush, Honeoye Falls, Chili, and Victor NY.]]>