Why do people do this?

I've been listening to the Dave Ramsey podcasts lately, and at least three times now I've heard callers talk about how they haven't been able to sell their house. What makes that different from the other people out there that have difficultly selling is that later in the conversation, they'll reveal that they moved out of their house and into a rental in the same town in order to try to sell it.

Why do people do this?

Unless they have an entire herd of animals living indoors with them, I can't imagine a worthwhile reason for moving out before your house is sold if you don't need to move. (And even then, I think you'd be better off farming the animals out to someone else temporarily instead of moving out yourself.)

Houses actually sell better with furniture in them, as long as the occupants are not complete slobs. Wallets get fatter when you don't have to pay both rent & a house payment at the same time. There's less stress.

Interestingly, when Dave asks the people why they've moved out, their responses have all basically been “I don't know”.

If you're thinking of selling your house, do some reading on the process and get sales tips first. No need to waste your money on unnecessary expenses like a second place to live.