Is Selling Your House Fully Furnished a Good or Bad Idea?
Selling your home with all, or most of your furniture could be a great way to transition to a new place – especially if you are going to be making a big move, or downsizing a considerable amount. If you are looking to start with a clean slate in your next home, it’s a great way to part ways with your existing furnishings without holding a separate contents sale. The viability of selling your house and its contents is as much your buyer’s decision as yours, but if the opportunity presents itself, what would you do?
Take the Stress Out of Moving
Moving into a new empty home can be scary. In fact, many experts say it is among one of the most stressful life events people have. Thinking about all the work they’ll need to do to move their own furniture can be nerve-racking – however, for some an actual “move-in-ready” home could make the transition less difficult.
If you have quality furniture but aren’t interested in moving it, consider offering price options for selling your home furnished or unfurnished. If you live in a remote area, or your house is suited to first-time home buyers, it could be a motivation to get a deal done. But do not set your expectations of getting a high dollar amount for your furniture too high, and be sure to also provide an option for the just the home and basic fixtures.
Will Adding Your Furniture Impact the Bottom Line?
Like so many other questions in real estate, it really depends on. Your own furniture, appliances, and electronics might be very valuable to you, though the buyer might feel they are doing you a favor by keeping these items, and they could negotiate their value out of the sale.
Please remember that properly staged homes may spend less time on the market compared to unstaged homes, and sell for a higher price. That this increase is for staged furniture as opposed to pre-owned furniture. Many professionals have found that the cost of staging is usually between 1-3 percent of the sale price of a home, so there is potential for significant profitability.
If you store your own household possessions and rent staging furniture, you benefit from the upscale presentation of strategically placed items and a fresh, on-trend appearance. Even if you don’t increase the dollar value of your home with staging pieces, home staging can help buyers visualize a house as their future home and you may get more offers and sell your home faster.
Vacation Homes
If you are selling a vacation property or a second home, you should consider selling the place with fixtures, furniture, and décor. Potential buyers often don’t have furniture for a cabin or beach house and are generally more amenable to pre-owned furniture.
For primary residences, buyers often want to bring their own style and energy to space because they will spend more time there, and have their friends and family over to visit.