Jeannette Karis, President
Spokane Association of REALTORS®
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Last Sunday’s article talked about homeowners who migrate south to warm weather residences during Spokane’s cooler climate months. If you plan to be away for several months, an important consideration is the care of your vacant home. “Winterizing” can take several forms, and is also essential for sellers who are transferred from their home in Spokane and forced to leave their vacant home behind.

Important questions asked by homeowners include, “Who will call me if my pipes freeze or break?” “Who will shovel snow from my sidewalk and driveway?” “Who will pay to keep my home warm and inviting for potential home buyers?” “Who will protect my home from vandalism and theft?”

Winterizing activities like sprinkler blow-outs and seasonal storm screens are important, but REALTORS® will tell you that vacant homes with no heat can feel colder than the outside temperature. To encourage buyers to linger longer in your home, you may wish to consider homesitting or home caretaking services. Home sitters are carefully screened, responsible adults, who have either owned their own home and are making a change, or they are saving money to purchase a home, or they may be building a home. They are specifically matched according to their furniture, to show the home’s maximum potential.

Many REALTORS® agree that an occupied home sells much faster than when left vacant, and it is easy to understand why. Vacant properties are not kept up on a daily basis and are susceptible to vandalism, inclement weather and other hazards. But it goes way beyond that. When prospective buyers see a comfortable, clean, lightly-furnished home, they will find it easier to picture themselves living in the home.

You may have enjoyed visiting new model homes for the same reason. The model home concept was designed by new home builders when they found how difficult it was to visualize a fully-furnished home. REALTORS® agree that a vacant home seems less appealing. Curb appeal combined with attractive furniture provided by a homesitter can mean a quicker and a more profitable sale for you as an owner. Additionally, your home is always in “ready to show” condition, seven days a week.

Home sitting companies offer substantial savings to the homeowner. The selected homesitter pays all utility bills (electric, gas, sewer charges, trash, water, homeowner association dues). They maintain the lawn, and pools. Be sure to ask if random inspections are performed by the home sitting company to ensure that your home is being maintained.

The benefits to you as an owner and your REALTOR® are:

• Insurance cost is reduced because the home is occupied.

• No landlord/tenant problems.

• Homesitters can usually vacate in as few as 10-30 days, upon closing date.

• Home is left clean for new owner.

• All utilities & lawn care are typically paid by the homesitter.

• Less concern about the risk of vandalism.

Whether you find them listed as home sitting or home caretaking services, in the Spokane region there are some experienced companies that have provided this service for years. They have expertise in matching the person and his or her belongings to the home; displaying a property to its best advantage, and often leading to a quicker sale.

Your REALTOR® offers many options for the most effective ways to sell your home. If your home will be vacant, ask your Spokane REALTOR® for a recommendation to a professional home sitting service. Just one more reason in today’s market to list your home with a Spokane REALTOR®.

Also, please visit www.SpokaneOpen.com and www.wahomeowners.com.

Jeannette Karis can be reached at president@spokanerealtor.com