7 Tips for Selling a Home That’s Owner-Occupied

Selling a vacant home can be easier than selling an occupied one for multiple reasons. Buyers can see the property whenever they want, you can stage it as you see fit, and it’s easy to keep it clean since no one is living there.

That said, selling an occupied house is certainly possible if you and the owner work hard to keep the property as inviting and accessible to buyers as possible. In this article, we’ll explore seven strategies to make that process easier.

1. Depersonalize as Much as Possible

Personal items like family photos, kids’ drawings, certificates of accomplishment, collection displays, knick-knacks, and religious or political symbols can distract buyers during showings and open houses.

Sellers should pack away such items and any unnecessary furniture that would detract from an attractive, open appearance.

2. Keep the Home Clean

Around 76% of agents agree that tidy homes sell at least 2x faster than messy ones, while 83% say junk and clutter can significantly or moderately decrease property value.

Clients can make their homes as attractive as possible by:

• Tidying up day-to-day clutter
• Keeping any unnecessary belongings in storage
• Cleaning up stains on the floor and marks on doors and walls
• Sanitizing bathrooms and the kitchen
• Sweeping and vacuuming

Doing a deep clean before every showing may be exhausting. Sellers may prefer to set aside 15 to 30 minutes each day for cleaning so it’s easier to quickly tidy up before buyers arrive.

3. Get Rid of Unpleasant Odors

Bad odors can repel more buyers than you might think. The biggest culprit is cigarette smoke, which would deter 23% of buyers from buying a home they liked.

Be wary as well of other smells that deter buyers, such as:

• Blocked drains (22%)
• Garbage and trash (13%)
• Pet smells (11%)
• Toilet odors (9%)
• Cooked fish (9%)
• Soiled laundry (6%)

If you notice any offensive smells when walking around your client’s home, encourage them to do a deep clean and eliminate any odor sources.

4. Turn Off Music and Electronics

Maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the home by ensuring the television, radio, and any other noisy electronic devices are shut off before buyers arrive.

These interruptions can create an atmosphere of unease and make it difficult for the buyers to concentrate or converse with their agent.

5. Have Owners Leave When Buyers Visit

Buyers may not feel comfortable fully exploring the home or asking you or their agent tough questions about the property with owners nearby.

Since showings typically take less than an hour, owners can simply go to a neighbor’s house, go out to eat, take the kids to the park, or work from a coffee shop if they work remotely. Open houses can take longer (around one to two hours), so sellers may want to make more extensive plans for those days.

If clients are concerned about theft, they can keep all valuables in a safe or in storage. And if a seller can’t leave during a showing, it’s best if they stay out of rooms where the buyer and their agent are whenever feasible.

6. Keep Pets Out of the Home, Too

Buyers may find pets distracting—and some may even be allergic. There’s also a chance pets could escape during showings or open houses.

Furthermore, pets—no matter how well trained—pose a safety risk when present. If an animal attacks a buyer, it could not only sabotage the sale but also expose you and the homeowner to legal liability.

Of course, any animals in cages or aquariums may need to stay put, such as lizards, turtles, fish, and birds. But dogs, cats, and other free-roaming pets should be taken with owners during showings, to a friend’s or neighbor’s house, or to a local kennel.

7. Sellers with Kids Should Plan Ahead

Some sellers with children may have a more difficult time keeping their house clean or leaving the house on time for showings. In that case, they may want to:

• Buy a large, closable bin they can quickly dump toys into before buyers arrive
• Have a to-go bag packed with snacks, drinks, a few toys or books (plus diapers and bottles for younger children) so they can leave quickly
• Keep bulky toys in storage until the house sells
• If kids are old enough, assign one task (e.g., sweeping the kitchen, cleaning the bathroom, or putting shoes on the toddler) to each one so they feel involved

While selling an owner-occupied home can be more challenging, it’s not impossible. By following the strategies in this article, your client can create a welcoming environment that attracts serious buyers.

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