Selling a vacant or abandoned home can feel completely overwhelming to North Carolina homeowners, especially if you live out of state, need to sell your house fast, or simply don’t know where to start. It can be challenging to find a buyer who is willing to purchase a property that’s been sitting vacant for a while, as they are typically neglected or poorly maintained. However, the team at Tarheel Home Buyers is here to help you sell your home quickly and easily without any hassle.
At Tarheel Home Buyers, we specialize in buying homes outright, as-is. This means that you don’t have to worry about making any repairs or renovations to your property before selling it. Our team will take care of everything, from start to finish, so that you can focus on other matters.
If you’re looking to sell a vacant or abandoned home in North Carolina the traditional way, here are eight tips to help you out:
1. Get a professional appraisal
Before putting your property on the market, it’s important to get a professional appraisal. This will help you determine the fair market value of your home and ensure that you’re pricing it correctly if you opt to list it on the MLS.
2. Clean up the property
First impressions matter, so it’s essential to clean up the property before showing it to potential buyers.
Outdoor Property Cleanup
- Assess the Area: Walk around the property to identify areas that need attention, such as overgrown plants, debris, or damaged structures.
- Gather Supplies: Get necessary tools and supplies, such as gloves, trash bags, a rake, pruning shears, a lawnmower, and any other equipment needed for specific tasks.
- Remove Debris: Pick up any trash, fallen branches, or other debris from the property.
- Mow the Lawn: Cut the grass to an even length. This helps improve the appearance and health of the lawn.
- Trim and Prune: Trim hedges, bushes, and trees. Remove dead or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth.
- Weed Control: Pull out weeds manually or use a weed killer where necessary.
- Clean Walkways and Driveways: Sweep or power wash paths, patios, and driveways to remove dirt and grime.
- Repair and Maintain: Fix any broken fences, gates, or garden fixtures. Apply paint or sealant to wooden structures if needed.
- Plant and Mulch: Add new plants or flowers to bare areas. Apply mulch to flower beds to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Dispose of Waste: Properly dispose of all green waste and trash. Compost organic material if possible.
Indoor Property Cleanup
- Declutter: Remove items that are no longer needed. Sort them into piles for donation, recycling, or disposal.
- Dust and Vacuum: Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and light fixtures. Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly.
- Clean Windows and Mirrors: Wash windows and mirrors to remove streaks and smudges.
- Sanitize Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, doorknobs, and other high-touch areas with disinfectant.
- Clean Floors: Sweep, mop, or vacuum floors depending on the type of flooring.
- Organize: Arrange items neatly in storage areas, such as closets, cabinets, and drawers.
- Bathroom and Kitchen: Pay special attention to these areas. Scrub sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs. Clean appliances and countertops.
- Take Out the Trash: Empty all trash bins and replace liners.
- Air Freshening: Open windows to let in fresh air or use air fresheners to improve the indoor scent.
- Inspect for Repairs: Check for any minor repairs needed, such as fixing leaky faucets or replacing light bulbs.
3. Stage the home for potential buyers
If possible, stage the home to make it look more appealing to potential buyers. This can be as simple as adding some furniture and decor to make the space feel more welcoming. For better results, hire a professional stager, but keep in mind, this can be costly.
4. Take high-quality photos of your property
When listing your property online, taking high-quality photos showcasing your home’s best features is important. This will help attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of selling quickly. Hire a professional photographer to capture interior and drone footage for your home.
5. List the property on multiple platforms
List your property on multiple platforms, such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com, to reach as many potential buyers as possible. Some agents include this in their marketing, while others will charge you an additional fee.
Prepare Your Listing
- Details: Gather key information like number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and any special features.
- Photos: Use high-quality photos of both the interior and exterior.
- Description: Write a compelling description highlighting the property’s best features and the neighborhood.
- Contact Info: Make sure your contact information is clear and correct.
Choose Platforms
- Real Estate Websites:
- Zillow
- Realtor.com
- Redfin
- Trulia
- MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
- Social Media:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Classifieds:
- Craigslist
- Nextdoor
6. Be flexible with showings
When selling a vacant or abandoned home, it’s important to be flexible with showings. This means being willing to show the property at different times of the day or on weekends. Without people in the house, showing it should be relatively easy.
7. Consider working with a real estate agent
While selling a vacant or abandoned home on your own is possible, it can be challenging. Consider working with a real estate agent who has experience selling properties in your area. Just keep in mind, that if your house sells with a North Carolina agent, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in commissions.
8. Sell Your North Carolina House Directly to Tarheel Home Buyers
If you want to sell your property quickly and easily, consider working with Tarheel Home Buyers. We’ll buy your home outright, as-is, and take care of all the details so that you don’t have to.
At Tarheel Home Buyers, we understand that selling a vacant or abandoned home can be stressful. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as easy as possible. Our team of experts has years of experience buying properties in North Carolina, and we’re confident that we can help you sell your home quickly and easily. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your vacant or abandoned home. We are happy to help you find the best solution for your unique situation. (984) 206-3532