Tips to Help You Sell a Vacant or Abandoned Home in the Greater Toronto Area

Selling a vacant or abandoned home can feel completely overwhelming to Ontario 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 24 Hour Cash Buyers is here to help you sell your home quickly and easily without any hassle.

At 24 Hour Cash 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 Ontario 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.

A professional appraisal provides an unbiased estimate of your abandoned home’s value. An appraiser will consider factors such as the condition of your home, recent sales of similar properties in your area, and any unique features your home might have. This information is crucial for setting a competitive asking price that attracts potential buyers.

The appraisal process involves a detailed inspection of your property. The appraiser will look at the structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and other key components. They will also evaluate the overall appearance and any necessary repairs.

A professional appraisal can cost between $300 and $500, but it’s an investment that can save you time and help you avoid overpricing or underpricing your home. For more information on the appraisal process, you can visit the Appraisal Institute of Canada.

2. Clean Up the Property

First impressions matter, so it’s essential to clean up the property before showing it to potential buyers. This includes removing any debris, cutting the grass, and trimming the bushes. You’ll need to make repairs and possibly repaint or tile.

Cleaning up an abandoned home is critical to making a good first impression. Potential buyers are more likely to consider a property that looks well-maintained. Start by removing any debris, trash, and overgrown vegetation from the yard. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and remove any weeds to create a tidy exterior.

Inside the home, declutter each room and remove any personal belongings. Consider deep cleaning carpets, floors, windows, and other surfaces to eliminate dust and grime. If the property has been vacant for a while, it may also have an unpleasant odor. Use air fresheners or hire a professional cleaning service to address any smells.

Making minor repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in the walls, and repainting can also make a big difference. These small improvements can make your abandoned home more appealing to potential buyers.

For more tips on cleaning and preparing a home for sale, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

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.

Staging a home can significantly impact its appeal and help potential buyers envision themselves living there. If your abandoned home is empty, staging can add warmth and personality, making it more attractive. Here are some staging tips:

Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to highlight the flow and functionality of each room. Use neutral colors and avoid overcrowding spaces.
Decor: Add tasteful decor, such as artwork, rugs, and throw pillows, to make the home feel inviting. Keep the decor simple and uncluttered.
Lighting: Ensure all rooms are well-lit. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light and use lamps to brighten darker areas.
Curb Appeal: Enhance the exterior by adding potted plants, painting the front door, and ensuring the entrance is clean and welcoming.

Hiring a professional stager can provide expert advice and high-quality furnishings, but it can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. If staging isn’t within your budget, consider virtual staging, which digitally adds furniture and decor to photos of your home.

For more information on home staging, visit HGTV Canada.

4. Take High-Quality Photos of Your Property

When listing your property online, it’s important to take high-quality photos that showcase your home’s best features. This will help attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of selling quickly. Hire a professional photographer to capture interior and drone footage of your home.

High-quality photos are essential for making a strong first impression online. Potential buyers often decide whether to visit a property based on its online photos. Here are some tips for capturing great images:

Hire a Professional Photographer: Professional photographers have the skills and equipment to capture your home in the best light. They can take wide-angle shots to show off the space and highlight key features.
Drone Footage: If your property has significant land or unique outdoor features, consider using drone footage to provide aerial views. This can make your listing stand out.
Natural Light: Take photos during the day when there is plenty of natural light. Open curtains and blinds to brighten the rooms.
Declutter and Clean: Ensure the home is clean and free of clutter before taking photos. This makes the space look larger and more inviting.
Highlight Key Features: Focus on the most attractive aspects of your home, such as updated kitchens, spacious living areas, or beautiful gardens.

High-quality photos can significantly increase the interest in your property and lead to faster sales.

For more tips on real estate photography, visit Realtor.ca.

5. List the Property on Multiple Platforms

To reach as many potential buyers as possible, list your property on multiple platforms, such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. Some agents include this in their marketing, while others will charge you an additional fee.

Listing your abandoned home on multiple platforms can increase its visibility and attract a broader audience. Here are some popular platforms to consider:

MLS (Multiple Listing Service): The MLS is a database used by real estate agents to list properties. Having your home on the MLS can reach a large network of buyers and agents.
Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com: These popular real estate websites receive millions of visitors each month. Listing your home on these sites can increase exposure.
Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote your property. Share photos, videos, and updates to reach potential buyers in your network.
Local Real Estate Websites: List your property on local real estate websites and forums specific to your area. This can attract buyers who are actively looking in your market.

Maximizing your online presence can increase the number of potential buyers who see your listing, leading to a quicker sale.

For more information on listing properties, visit Ontario Real Estate Association.

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.

Flexibility with showings is crucial for accommodating potential buyers’ schedules. Here are some tips for making your home available for showings:

Open House Events: Schedule open houses on weekends when more buyers are available to attend. This can create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers.
Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours for out-of-town buyers or those who prefer not to visit in person. This can expand your pool of potential buyers.
Lockbox Access: Consider using a lockbox to provide real estate agents with easy access to the property for showings. This can increase the number of showings and reduce scheduling conflicts.
Accommodate Last-Minute Requests: Be open to last-minute showing requests, as serious buyers might need to see the property quickly.

Being flexible with showings can make your property more accessible to buyers and increase your chances of a quick sale.

For more information on scheduling showings, visit Canadian Real Estate Association.

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 an Ontario agent, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in commissions.

Real estate agents bring expertise and market knowledge to the table, which can be invaluable when selling an abandoned home. Here are some benefits of working with an agent:

Market Knowledge: Agents understand local market trends and can help you set a competitive price.
Negotiation Skills: Experienced agents can negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible price and terms.
Marketing Resources: Agents have access to professional marketing tools and networks, which can increase your property’s visibility.
Paperwork and Legalities: Agents handle the paperwork and legal aspects of the sale, ensuring a smooth transaction.

While agents charge a commission (typically 5-6% of the sale price), their expertise can help you sell your home faster and potentially at a higher price.

For more information on working with real estate agents, visit Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).

8. Sell Your Ontario House Directly to 24 Hour Cash Buyers

If you want to sell your property quickly and easily, consider working with 24 Hour Cash Buyers. We’ll buy your home outright, as-is, and take care of all the details so that you don’t have to.

Selling your abandoned home directly to 24 Hour Cash Buyers offers numerous advantages:

Quick Sale: We can close on your property in as little as a few days, providing you with cash quickly.
As-Is Purchase: You won’t need to make any repairs or improvements. We buy homes in their current condition.
No Commissions or Fees: Avoid paying real estate agent commissions and closing costs. We handle all the paperwork and legal fees.
Hassle-Free Process: We manage the entire process, from appraisal to closing, making it as easy as possible for you.

Our team at 24 Hour Cash Buyers understands the challenges of selling an abandoned home. We provide a straightforward, stress-free solution, allowing you to move forward without the burden of an unwanted property.

For more information on selling your home quickly, visit 24 Hour Cash Buyers or contact us at (905) 971-0808.

Conclusion

Selling an abandoned home can be overwhelming, but there are solutions available to make the process easier. Whether you choose to get a professional appraisal, clean up and stage the property, improve your marketing efforts, or sell directly to 24 Hour Cash Buyers, there are options to fit your needs. Our team is here to help you sell your home quickly and easily, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your vacant or abandoned home in Ontario.

8 Tips to Help You Sell a Vacant or Abandoned Home in the Greater Toronto Area