When preparing a luxury property for the market, the transformation is often spectacular. With fresh paint, pristine landscaping, deep cleaning, and professional staging, your home likely looks like it belongs on the cover of a design magazine.
But once the staging is complete and the professional photos are taken, a very practical question arises: Do we actually have to live here while it is on the market?
The short answer? No!
For high-end sellers whose homes have been extensively prepped and staged, moving out—even temporarily—is often the single best decision you can make during the selling process. Here is why we advise our luxury sellers to pack their bags, where to go, and how we handle the rest.
Why Moving Out is the Best Strategy
1. Preserving the “Magazine-Ready” Staging
Luxury buyers have incredibly high expectations. When they walk through the front door, they want to be greeted by perfection. Keeping a home in “show-ready” condition while actively living in it is exhausting. It means no cooking strong-smelling foods, constantly wiping down gleaming countertops, perfectly fluffing pillows every morning, and hiding every trace of daily life (from toothbrushes to toys to dog bowls). By moving out, you leave your home in pristine, untouched condition for every single showing.
Even if you are not moving out during the listing period, it’s still recommended to leave your home during showings.
2. Unrestricted Showing Access
The most qualified buyers often have demanding schedules and may request a showing at the drop of a hat. If you are living in the home, a last-minute request usually means scrambling to clean up, corralling the pets, and driving around the neighborhood for an hour. When a home is vacant, it is incredibly easy to show. We never have to turn away a potential buyer because the timing is inconvenient for your family’s schedule.
3. Total Peace of Mind
Selling a home can be stressful, but the process should not disrupt your daily peace. Moving out eliminates the anxiety of living in a fishbowl. You do not have to constantly worry about strangers walking through your sanctuary or coordinating your life around open houses.
For more selling advice, check out these posts next:
- Staging a Home For Sale Vs. Decorating: What’s the Difference?
- Are Open Houses Necessary For Selling a Home?
- An Offer is In – What Can You Expect?
Where Should You Go?
If your next permanent home is not quite ready, or if you simply need a place to stay while we market your current property, you have a few great options:
- Take a Well-Deserved Vacation: The first week (and weekend) on the market is when you will have the most showings. If your schedule allows, the first week on the market is the perfect time to book a trip. Whether it is a getaway to the beach, a staycation, or a trip to visit family, you can relax while we handle the influx of initial showings and open houses.
- Book a Short-Term Rental: The DMV has an abundance of gorgeous, fully furnished short-term rentals and executive apartments. Websites like Airbnb, VRBO, or specialized corporate housing networks can provide a comfortable, stylish place for you and your pets to land.
- Staycation! Stay at a Local Boutique Hotel: If you want to remain close by to maintain your daily work or school routines, treating yourself to an extended stay at a luxury hotel in Old Town or DC is a fantastic, stress-free option.
For more ideas on this, check out our recommendations for Weekend Getaways from DC.
How The Goodhart Group Handles the Rest
When you hand us the keys and head to your temporary residence, you can truly leave the heavy lifting to us. We offer a concierge-level experience for our sellers.
We will ensure the staging remains perfect, and the lights are on and welcoming before every twilight showing. If the landscaping needs a quick refresh or a light bulb burns out, our trusted network of local professionals is on standby to fix it instantly. We handle the logistics, provide you with constant, transparent updates, and negotiate fiercely on your behalf—all while you relax elsewhere.
Learn more about Working with The Goodhart Group to Sell Your Home in the DMV Metro Area
Ready for a Seamless Sale?
Your home is your most valuable asset, and selling it should be a rewarding, white-glove experience from start to finish. If you are considering putting your home on the market and want to discuss a strategy that perfectly fits your lifestyle, we are here to help.
Reach out anytime to start the conversation!
Sign up for our newsletter, book a seller’s consultation, or fill out the form on this page to get in touch.
You can also get in touch directly by phone or email:
Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com
Allison Goodhart | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com
Phone: 703.362.3221
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