
Selling a vacant or abandoned property in Portland, Oregon can be a real challenge for homeowners. Whether you’ve inherited a property, moved out of state, or simply can’t maintain the home anymore, finding the right buyer isn’t always easy. Empty houses often fall into disrepair or attract unwanted attention, which can make the selling process even more difficult. Fortunately, Better Off Home Buyers specializes in helping property owners like you sell these types of homes quickly and without any stress.
At Better Off Home Buyers, we buy houses directly and in as-is condition. That means you won’t have to spend time or money fixing, cleaning, or updating anything before the sale. We handle every step of the process — from the initial offer to the final paperwork — so you can move on with your life faster and with peace of mind.
However, if you’re considering selling your vacant or abandoned property in Portland through a more traditional route, here are eight practical tips to help you get the best results:
1. Start with a professional appraisal
Before you list your home, schedule a professional appraisal to determine its fair market value. This ensures you’re setting a realistic price and helps you avoid overpricing or underpricing the property. Having an accurate appraisal can also be helpful if you receive multiple offers and need to negotiate confidently.
2. Restore the property’s curb appeal
Even if the house is vacant, first impressions still count. Clear away debris, mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and tidy up the landscaping. A few simple updates—such as repainting the front door, power-washing the driveway, or replacing old light fixtures—can instantly make your property look more inviting to potential buyers.
3. Add some light staging
Vacant homes can feel cold and uninviting. If your budget allows, consider staging the property with furniture or decor to help buyers visualize how the space could look when lived in. You don’t have to go overboard—sometimes adding just a few key pieces can make a big difference. For higher-end homes, a professional stager can transform the space for a faster sale.
4. Capture professional photos and videos
When marketing your property online, quality visuals are key. Hire a professional photographer or videographer to highlight your home’s best features. Drone footage can also be a great way to showcase the property’s surroundings, lot size, or nearby amenities—especially for larger or rural properties in Portland.
5. Market your listing across multiple platforms
To reach the widest audience, list your property on major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. Social media ads and local listing services can also help attract more potential buyers. If you’re working with a real estate agent, make sure they’re using a solid marketing plan that includes multiple channels.
6. Be accommodating with showings
One advantage of selling a vacant home is flexibility. Without residents to coordinate around, you can easily schedule open houses or private showings at different times of the day. The more accessible your home is, the higher the chances of attracting serious buyers.
7. Work with a local real estate expert
Selling a vacant or abandoned home can be complicated, so it may help to partner with a real estate agent who has experience in Portland. They’ll understand local market conditions and can help you handle offers, paperwork, and inspections. Just remember that traditional sales usually involve commission fees, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
8. Sell directly to Better Off Home Buyers for a faster solution
If you want to avoid the hassle of repairs, showings, and lengthy closings, selling directly to Better Off Home Buyers might be your best option. We purchase properties in any condition—vacant, neglected, or damaged—and handle every step from start to finish. You won’t need to pay any commissions, and we can close on your schedule.
At Better Off Home Buyers, we understand that managing a vacant or abandoned property can be stressful, especially if you’re far from Portland. That’s why we make the process fast, fair, and simple. Our team has extensive experience helping homeowners throughout Oregon, and we’re committed to providing solutions that fit your unique situation.