Do I Need to Move Out Before My Home Is Listed?

One of the most common questions sellers ask is whether they need to move out before listing their home. The short answer? Not necessarily! In fact, many homeowners successfully sell their property while still living in it — it just takes a little planning and preparation.

Living in Your Home While It’s Listed

If you’re still occupying your home, the key is presentation. Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living there, which means keeping things tidy, minimizing clutter and storing away personal items like family photos or knick-knacks.

Your real estate agent can help you strike the right balance between comfortable living and market-ready presentation. The Keefer Fischer Team even works with professional stager Jessica, who helps transform everyday spaces into beautiful, welcoming homes that appeal to today’s buyers.

Listing a Vacant Home

If you’ve already moved out, a vacant home can sometimes feel empty or cold in photos. This is where staging truly shines — adding furniture and décor helps buyers visualize how each space could be used. Even light staging (such as rugs, artwork, and a few furnishings) can make a huge difference.

Vacant homes are also easier to show on short notice, which can increase buyer traffic and potentially speed up your sale.

So, Which Is Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your situation, timeline and goals. What’s most important is making sure your home looks its best when it hits the market. The Keefer Fischer Team, led by Kerry Keefer Fischer, helps Kalamazoo-area sellers decide the right approach for their unique property, whether occupied or vacant.

Ready to List Your Home?

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan or the surrounding areas, our team can help you prepare, price, and market it for maximum results.

📞 Contact the Keefer Fischer Team today to schedule a free home consultation and learn what steps will help you sell faster — and for the best possible price.