Need to Sell a Vacant Home in the Sacramento Area?

Local help when you can't be there.

Owning a vacant home can become a lot to manage, especially when you no longer live nearby. I help homeowners throughout the Greater Sacramento area prepare, manage, and sell vacant properties from start to finish.

Whether you inherited the home, moved away, ended a tenancy, relocated a loved one, or simply moved before selling, I can help you determine what needs to be done, what can be left alone, and how to move forward without taking on everything yourself.

From coordinating access and preparing the property for market to handling showings, inspections, negotiations, and closing, I’ll help keep the process organized and moving forward.

From vacant to sold, you'll have someone local helping you every step of the way.

Who I Help

Inherited Homes

When a property is left behind and you need clear next steps.

Out-of-Area Owners

When you need someone local to coordinate the details.

Former Rentals

When tenants have moved out and you're ready to sell.

Already Moved

When you've relocated and the old house is sitting vacant.

You're Not Here. I Am.

When a house is sitting vacant, the small things can quickly become big things. I can be your local eyes and ears in the Sacramento area helping coordinate vendors, property access, cleanout, repairs, landscaping and the sale itself.

From Vacant to Sold

A clear plan for getting the property ready, on the market, and sold.

Every vacant home is different. Some need very little before listing. Others need cleanout, repairs, landscaping, vendor access, or a little strategy before going live. I’ll help you sort through what matters, what doesn’t, and what makes the most sense for your situation.

1. Assess

We’ll start with the property, its condition, your timeline, and your goals. I’ll help you understand the home’s current market position and what may need attention before selling.

2. Prioritize

Before you start spending money, we’ll decide what is worth doing and what can be left alone. The goal is to prepare the property wisely without over-improving it.

3. Prepare

If the home needs work, cleaning, landscaping, access for vendors, or other preparation, I can help coordinate the local details and keep things moving.

4. Sell

Once the home is ready, I’ll handle the marketing, showings, offers, inspections, negotiations, appraisal, and transaction through closing.

Before You Spend Money on the House, Let's Talk.

You may not need to do nearly as much as you think.

Call or Text Lisa

Vacant Home Resources

Practical answers for homeowners dealing with a vacant property, from preparing the home for sale to managing repairs, security, inherited property, and selling from out of the area.

7 Essential Tips for Securing Your Vacant Property

Information for Trustees, Executors, and Administrators

February 23, 2024•2 min read

Prevention and Protection Strategies

Discovering your vacant property has been vandalized, broken into, or even occupied by strangers can be a distressing experience. Protecting these properties is crucial, especially in scenarios where the property is inherited, left empty during recovery periods in care facilities, or simply between tenant occupancies.

A firsthand encounter with such an event can be quite alarming. In the video below, I share my experiences with such encounters. This situation underscores the need for immediate action, like contacting law enforcement and ensuring the property is secured.

Most burglaries are opportunistic crimes. Observing a house during renovations, especially at the stage of new appliance installations, can attract criminals. This highlights the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to safeguard against theft, vandalism, and unauthorized occupancy.

To protect a vacant property effectively, several strategies can be employed:

Consult Your Insurance Agent: Inform your insurance agent about the property’s status and vacant homeowners insurance to understand the implications of a vacancy clause in your policy. This step is vital for ensuring coverage against theft, vandalism, and undiscovered damages that can occur during periods of vacancy.
Secure and Monitor the Property: Assess the property for any vulnerabilities. Ensure all doors and windows are secure, and consider installing a security system or video surveillance. Such measures not only deter potential intruders but also help in monitoring the property remotely.
Maintain the Property’s Appearance: Keep the exterior of the property well-maintained. Trim overgrown trees and bushes to eliminate hiding spots for burglars and enhance the property’s curb appeal. This not only deters criminals but also maintains the property’s value.
Engage Neighbors: Informing neighbors about the vacancy can activate a community watch. Neighbors can report suspicious activities, helping to prevent unauthorized access and ensuring prompt action in case of emergencies.
Manage Mail and Deliveries: Ensure mail and deliveries are regularly collected or forwarded to avoid signs of vacancy, which can attract unwanted attention from potential intruders.
Understand Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and ordinances regarding vacant properties, including any requirements for registration or maintenance standards to comply with municipal guidelines.
Create an Appearance of Occupancy: Utilizing timers for interior and exterior lights, or even innovative solutions like virtual K-9 units or fake TVs, can simulate occupancy, deterring potential intruders.

These comprehensive measures can significantly reduce the risk of your property being targeted by criminals. Implementing these strategies not only protects your investment but also contributes to the safety and security of the community.

Click here to access our Vacant Property Checklist.

Lisa Quaschnick

Lisa Quaschnick is a Greater Sacramento REALTOR® helping homeowners prepare, manage, and sell vacant properties, including inherited homes, former rentals, and properties owned by out-of-area sellers.

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