(CHEROKEE LAKE REALTY WRITES A WEEKLY COLUMN FOR THE GRAINGER COUNTY JOURNAL NEWSPAPER. THIS WAS A RECENT QUESTION ASKED BY A READER.)
This is a different situation from the one I discussed in a previous column. That reader questioned whether it was best to leave the furniture that was already in the house, when they listed it for sale, or whether it was best to remove it. They had already purchased another home and were not going to use the furniture that was in the home. Your situation is not the same, yours is akin to new construction homes that are normally devoid of furniture when they are put up for sale.
So, here is my answer. Yes, the home will look more attractive when it is furnished. Especially if it is new furniture. When we go to Home Shows and view model homes, they are always furnished. There is a reason for this. The furniture adds to the glamour of the home, providing ideas for decorating, making them look like a true home, instead of simply empty walls and spaces.
But here’s the challenge. It costs money to furnish a home. Do you purchase furniture and when the home is sold put in storage to use again with another home? Perhaps the buyer wants the furniture, but what if they don’t? If you have several homes you are selling, do you furnish them all? Or do you rent the furniture instead of purchasing it? Or do you pay a company to “stage” the home? There are companies that do this. They will come in and furnish the home. Lamps, décor, paintings, bedrooms, all of it. And when the home is sold, they will come and remove it all. However, as mentioned, all the above options cost money, which will possibly increase your sales price or cut into your profits. Bottom line, it’s your call. What would I do? I would not want to deal with the furniture. I’m not a furniture salesman. I don’t want to move and store furniture. I would leave the home without the furniture, make sure it looks tidy, the landscaping is appealing, and concentrate on selling the home at a desirable price. But, as I mentioned, at the end of the day, it’s your call.
