You read that right. Should you “prep” an empty house? This is not about adding furniture or plants to a vacant home, but it’s about looking at the empty home and making it more appealing to buyers.

Not all homes need furniture to sell for top dollar, but even a vacant home needs attention before it’s ready for showing. The key is to remove anything that would distract from a buyer seeing the home in its best light and highlight its best features.

What Should You Remove from a Vacant House?

• Remove dirt — First thing’s first! Clean ceiling fans, baseboards, sink, dishwasher, windows, shelves, etc.

• Leftover Items – Hangers in closets, old batteries from drawers.

• Cable and Cords – Declutter walls and floors by removing or hiding.

• Worn or Stained Carpet – Replace old, damaged, stained, or dated carpet.

• Old Window Treatments – Old dated curtains and tired Venetian blinds are distracting, remove them.

• Spider Webs and Dust Balls – Check those corners for dead bugs, cobwebs, and dust.

• Unwanted Furniture – Don’t be tempted to leave indoor or outdoor furniture you no longer want.

• Dead Leaves – Clean the yard and remove all debris.

Vacant homes offer a blank canvas for buyer’s imaginations. To sell quickly, make sure the home is clean, fresh, and ready for showing by removing distractions and anything which appears old, dirty, or shabby.