We know selling your home quickly is very important! In working with our past clients, we have found many ways to ensure a home seller’s experience is smooth, quick and, believe it or not, enjoyable. Sometimes knowing what NOT to do is simpler than the long list of things you should do, so we’ve outlined how to effectively avoid five simple home selling mistakes
1. Overpricing your home
This is by and large the biggest mistake home sellers can make. Your house isn’t just a price tag to you – it’s a place you’ve called home for years. It’s hard to put a number on what has been your or your family’s safe haven, which usually results in a listing price much higher than your home’s worth. It’s important to give a listening ear to your agent when it comes to setting your price. They’ve done countless hours of research on other homes in your area that are similar build and age, tracking which houses have sold best, how long they’ve stayed on the market, etc. If you overprice your home, you stand to risk wasting time and money on marketing a home that scares buyers away from even picking up the phone.
2. Using mediocre photos
If overpricing your home is the number one worst offense of sellers, using bad pictures is a close second. Have you ever been perusing real estate websites and passed on a property simply because the pictures were blurry or dark? Now imagine that it’s your home everyone is passing up – not good. A great photographer is a relatively small expense that is ABSOLUTELY worth every penny. And many times, your REALTOR® will pay for and schedule this service. If that’s the case, be sure to follow any suggestions they make for cleaning up the house ahead of time, putting cars in garages, clearing clutter from the countertops and the like.
3. Neglecting necessary repairs
Making repairs ahead of time will end up saving you more money than if they become bargaining chips in the hand of a buyer. Ensuring your home is in tip top shape also means that it will show better, both online and in person. However, a word of caution: discuss any renovation plans with your REALTOR®. They will be able to help you identify which ones are worth the money and will get you the most bang for your buck.
4. Refusing to remove clutter
This is another area where emotion can cloud your judgement. While living in your house, you have carefully curated items that make it feel like home. These may include your children’s school projects, nifty thrift finds, or cherished possessions from your grandmother. All of these things have meaning to you – but not to a potential buyer. In the eyes of the public, the many items that cover your mantel are just distracting. Remember: you plan on moving soon! Take the opportunity to start packing early and allow your real estate agent to stage your home before you go on the market.
5. Failing to complete disclosures
Every seller is required to complete proper disclosure forms regarding the state of the property. This doesn’t mean that you need to hire an inspector to go over everything with a fine-toothed comb. Laws tend to vary by state, but generally, you are required only to disclose existing problems of which you had prior knowledge. This may seem like a simple formality, but if a formal disclosure is not provided to a potential buyer, it can be used as an excuse to back out of a contract.
When the time comes to sell your home, avoid these common home selling mistakes and you will set yourself up for an amazing home selling experience!
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We are intimately familiar with the local area and all its beauty and nuances. Our experience as a team is focused on making sure your real estate experience is everything you hope and need it to be.
