Lisa Quaschnick, REALTOR®
eXp Realty | DRE# 01702057
FREE CALIFORNIA GUIDE
Vacant Property Checklist
A practical checklist to help you keep a vacant home safe, secure, maintained, and ready for what comes next.
Vacant homes need attention even when no one is living there. This guide walks through the things that should be checked regularly—from utilities and security to exterior maintenance, insurance, mail, water issues, and signs of damage.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive the requested guide and occasional helpful real estate emails from Lisa Quaschnick. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Clear Guidance
Understand what to expect and the key decisions ahead.
California-Specific
Focused on California laws, property taxes, and local considerations.
Practical Next Steps
Know the right questions to ask and who can help.
Local Expertise
Guidance from a Greater Sacramento REALTOR® experienced with inherited-property sales.
Inside the Guide You'll Learn:
What should be checked inside and outside the property
How often someone should physically inspect a vacant home
What to consider with electricity, water, gas, and HVAC
Why mail, flyers, landscaping, and exterior appearance matter
How to reduce obvious signs that a property is sitting unattended
What to watch for with leaks, pests, weather, and deferred maintenance
Why insurance coverage should be reviewed when a home becomes vacant
How to document property checks and changing conditions
What out-of-area owners can do when they cannot check the home themselves to determine who has authority to sell
You don't have to figure this out alone.
My goal is to give you clear information and a smoother path forward so you can make confident decisions about what’s next.
Common Questions About Managing a Vacant Home
How often should someone check on a vacant home?
There is no single schedule that fits every property, but regular physical inspections are important. The right frequency depends on the home, weather, insurance requirements, utilities, and how long it will be vacant.
Should utilities stay on in a vacant house?
Often, at least some utilities should remain active. Electricity, water, gas, HVAC, irrigation, security systems, and appliances may all affect how the property is maintained, shown, or protected.
Does homeowners insurance change when a property becomes vacant?
It can. Standard homeowners policies may have different terms or limitations when a home is vacant for an extended period, so the insurance company should be notified and coverage reviewed.
How can I keep a vacant home from looking abandoned?
Maintain the yard, remove mail and flyers, keep the exterior clean, address cobwebs and debris, and make sure the property still looks cared for from the street.
What problems can develop while a house is vacant?
Leaks, pest activity, HVAC failures, landscaping problems, vandalism, weather damage, mail buildup, and deferred maintenance can all become larger problems if no one is checking the property.
Can I manage a vacant property if I live out of the area?
Yes. Many owners use a trusted local contact to inspect the home, coordinate vendors, provide access, monitor maintenance, and report back when something needs attention.
Should the property be empty while it is listed for sale?
It can be, but presentation still matters. Some homes benefit from staging, while others show well vacant. Either way, the property should feel clean, maintained, and intentionally cared for.
Related Resources
You may also find these free guides helpful:
Selling Inherited Property
Understand key steps and decisions involved in selling an inherited home.
Let's Talk About Your Situation
Every family's situation is different. If you have questions about an inherited property, I'm happy to talk through your. goals and options. There's no obligation and no pressure.
Serving Sacramento and surrounding communities