Trying to sell a vacant or abandoned home in Saint Louis can feel like an uphill battle—especially if the property has been sitting empty, is in disrepair, or you’re managing the process from out of state. From code violations and maintenance concerns to overgrown yards and break-ins, these types of properties come with a unique set of challenges.
At Missouri Home Offers, we specialize in purchasing homes exactly like this—vacant, neglected, inherited, or simply unwanted—and making the sale as fast and painless as possible. But if you’re still considering the traditional route, here are 8 smart steps to help you sell your house successfully.
1️⃣ Start with a Professional Appraisal
The first step in the process is to understand what your home is worth today. A licensed appraiser can give you a clear picture of your property’s fair market value—even if it’s been sitting vacant. This can help you avoid overpricing (which deters buyers) or underpricing (which leaves money on the table).
✅ Pro tip: If your property is severely distressed, consider getting a second opinion from a local investor or a cash home buyer for a real-world, “as-is” offer.
2️⃣ Clean Up and Secure the Exterior
The exterior of a vacant home often suffers from neglect. Overgrown landscaping, piled-up mail, or broken fencing sends a red flag to buyers—and attracts squatters, vandals, and city fines.
Invest a few hours (or hire a local service) to:
- Cut the grass and trim shrubs
- Remove trash and debris
- Board up broken windows
- Ensure exterior lights are working
A tidy exterior goes a long way in showing the home has been maintained—even if it hasn’t been occupied.
3️⃣ Stage Strategically—Or Keep It Minimal
If the home is empty, consider light staging to help potential buyers visualize the space. Even just adding a few key furniture pieces or decor can warm up the space and reduce that cold, abandoned feeling.
⚠️ Full staging can be costly, so weigh your investment carefully. If your goal is to sell your home fast in Saint Louis, simplicity might be better.
4️⃣ Invest in High-Quality Photos and Drone Footage
Vacant homes often get overlooked online, especially if the photos look dark, dated, or uninviting. Hire a professional real estate photographer who can capture the best angles of your home, inside and out.
- Include drone photos to show the lot size and neighborhood
- Make sure lighting and framing are clean and natural
- Highlight any recent improvements or curb appeal updates
📸 Strong visuals increase click-through rates, which directly impacts buyer interest.
5️⃣ Maximize Exposure with Multi-Platform Listings
Don’t rely on a single listing to get your home seen. Syndicate your listing across multiple platforms including:
- Zillow
- Redfin
- Realtor.com
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist (use caution)
This ensures your property reaches both retail buyers and local investors looking for off-market deals.
6️⃣ Be Flexible With Showings and Communication
Since the property is vacant, you have the advantage of scheduling showings anytime—day or night. Leverage that flexibility and respond promptly to buyer inquiries. If you’re managing the sale from another city or state, consider installing a lockbox or using a local contact to handle walkthroughs.
🗝️ Pro tip: Vacant properties with easy access tend to sell faster.
7️⃣ Work With a Real Estate Agent—If It Makes Sense Financially
Experienced real estate agents can help market and negotiate your sale, but be cautious: agent commissions can cut deep into your profits, especially if your vacant home needs major repairs.
Before signing a listing agreement, ask:
- Do they have experience with vacant/distressed homes?
- What will their marketing strategy include?
- Are repairs or staging required upfront?
Sometimes, the traditional path just adds more layers of complexity.
8️⃣ Sell Your Saint Louis House Directly to Missouri Home Offers for Cash
If your vacant property is costing you more than it’s worth—through taxes, HOA fees, maintenance, or stress—selling it directly to Missouri Home Offers might be your best solution.
At Missouri Home Offers, we:
- Buy homes as-is—no repairs, no cleaning
- Close in as little as 7 days
- Pay no commissions, no closing costs
- Handle all paperwork and legalities
Whether you inherited the home, moved out years ago, or simply want a fast, private sale, we’re here to help you move on without the hassle.
🏠 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Vacant Property Drain Your Time or Wallet
Selling a vacant or abandoned house in Saint Louis doesn’t have to be a burden. From pricing and presentation to partnering with a local expert—or accepting a fast cash offer—there are many paths forward. If you’re tired of paying for a house no one is using, Missouri Home Offers is ready to help.
📞 Call us today at (636) 585-5063 or fill out our quick online form to get your no-obligation cash offer and explore your best options for moving forward.