Tonight I was out showing homes here in Decatur, GA and showed a vacant listing. I had called the agent beforehand so I knew the power would be on at the house. I met my clients at the house and thankfully our new electronic keys have a built in flashlight. I used that to see to get the key in the door.
Especially if you are selling a vacant home, it would be a good idea to put a dusk to dawn attachment (It goes on at dusk and off at dawn automatically) onto your exterior light fixtures. This way at least the doorway would be lit making your home easier to show and providing a little extra security. On the interior, put a lamp on a timer, so that while we are fumbling around looking for a light switch, we could actually see it. It would help us while locking up too.
Timers are inexpensive and easy to use. Basic light timers are available for less than $10 at your local hardware store. For energy efficiency, use a compact fluorescent bulb indoors. The compact fluorescent bulbs don't seem to do so well out in the cold. The dusk to dawn attachment for your outside light simply screws into the light socket. They are available for less than $5.
With shorter daylight hours, make your home as warm and inviting as possible. Good lighting is a great place to start.
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If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, contact local expert Jen Bowman, Realtor with Success Realty serving the real estate needs of Decatur and Metro Atlanta, GA. 404-456-5024 View Intown Living Blog
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and leave a comment. It was very thoughtful. I appreciate your tip on purchasing timers to light the way of vacant homes. What a great idea!
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
That's an excellent tip for my own home since I really never know when I wil get home. Also, I travel a lot in the summer.
Thanks...
Hi Jen - great tips for vacant homes. Another great way to improve this would be motion sensors so the lights are only on when someone is at the door!
I'm glad to see you are recommending CFL's...so much better than incandescents!
That's a good tip--I very seldom show homes after dark. For some reason, it just doesn't happen in our area that much.
I currently have 2 vacant listings and this is something that I just have not thought about before. Thanks for the great advice.
Out here I think just have the electricity, gas, and water turned on would be useful.
Good tips, I have started carries severalhigh beam flash lights in my car at all time. You never know anymore which listings will or will not have power... this way I have extras for the buyers too.