A vacant home often offers easy showing access, but it also requires a deliberate plan for insurance, utilities, security, maintenance, inspections, and regular property checks. Vacancy should never mean the property is unattended or its systems are inaccessible.
Current Eaton listing choices: Florida and Texas sellers can choose $99 MLS Basic for essential seller-managed MLS entry, $499 FSBO Plus for more flexibility and support while managing the sale, or 1% Full Service for broker representation from pricing through closing.
Before the home becomes vacant
| Area | Seller action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Notify the insurer and confirm appropriate coverage | Vacancy may affect policy terms |
| Utilities | Keep required services active unless professionally advised otherwise | Showings, inspections, climate control, and safety depend on them |
| Security | Use controlled access, working locks, lighting, and monitoring as appropriate | Reduces unauthorized entry risk |
| Property checks | Schedule documented interior and exterior visits | Finds leaks, storm damage, pests, mail, or system failures |
| Maintenance | Continue lawn, pool, cleaning, pest, and seasonal care | Protects condition and presentation |
Showing and inspection preparation
- Use an approved secure lockbox or appointment process.
- Remove valuables, medications, documents, garage remotes, and spare keys.
- Leave HVAC, water, electrical, appliances, gates, and special systems accessible as appropriate.
- Label unusual controls without displaying security codes.
- Keep emergency, maintenance, association, and vendor contacts organized.
Before closing
- Complete the agreed final condition and personal-property removal.
- Maintain insurance and utilities through the required date.
- Confirm keys, remotes, access devices, mail, and association procedures.
- Respond promptly if the final walk-through identifies a new condition.
Choose the listing support that fits the work
| Option | What it includes | What the seller handles |
|---|---|---|
| 1% Full-Service | Seller representation, pricing guidance, MLS input, showing coordination, offer review and negotiation, and contract-to-close support. No upfront listing fee; paid only if the property sells. Cancellation is subject to the listing agreement. | The seller supplies property photos and makes property-specific decisions. |
| $499 FSBO Plus | MLS input and exposure only, without representation. | The seller supplies photos and handles calls, showings, offers, negotiations, contracts, disclosures, title, and closing. |
Buyer-agent compensation is separate, optional and negotiable. The seller chooses what, if anything, to offer.
Compare the whole offer and likely net
Price is only one term. Review financing, deposit, inspections, appraisal language, requested credits, title terms, occupancy, and closing date. Use our offer comparison guide and seller closing-cost guide. Also read our pre-listing mistakes guide.
See how the process works, compare the 1% plan and $499 plan, or Start With My Address.
Eaton Real Estate Company serves home sellers across Florida and Texas; check our coverage area for availability.
Questions about your sale?
Call Stephen Eaton at 409-996-9999 or email stephen@theeatonco.com. Stephen is a licensed Florida real estate broker (BK3560755) and Texas real estate broker (License #539000).
General information only—not legal, tax, lending, inspection, appraisal, title, insurance, or engineering advice. Requirements and results vary by property, contract, and transaction.