Selling your home doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little insight and understanding, you can avoid common pitfalls and make the process much more manageable. Sometimes, factors like being new to selling, good-intentioned yet misguided advice, or letting emotions get in the way can lead us to make mistakes. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate through these potential issues. We've put together a friendly guide highlighting seven mistakes to watch out for when selling your home.
Choosing to Sell Your Property Yourself Rather than Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Some homeowners do enjoy the adventure of selling their property themselves, also known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). It may seem like an opportunity to save on commissions, but often, the costs of marketing and other activities can add up more than expected! Plus, with the helping hand of a seasoned real estate agent, you can easily steer clear of common mistakes people make when selling homes. So, taking a little time to find the right agent could turn out to be a rewarding journey!
- Overpricing
Some people might advise you to start with a high asking price, so you have some wiggle room for negotiation. But keep in mind, if your price is a lot higher than other similar properties around, you might not have many people willing to negotiate. You should work together with your real estate agent to figure out a price that matches your local market conditions and is similar to other properties in your area. Most buyers do their homework and are more willing to negotiate if your price reflects the current market standard.
Ignoring Essential Maintenance
You may be wondering, why fuss over repairs when you're planning to move out soon, correct? Well, interestingly, repairs play a vital role in catching the eye of potential buyers and averting unexpected maintenance issues that could interrupt the sale at the eleventh hour. Hence, addressing any significant issues with the house is quite important.
Not Clearing Out Mess and Personal Belongings
It's helpful for potential buyers to imagine their own lives unfolding in the house, so a bit of clutter or personal items can sometimes distract from that vision. Making sure the house is sparkling clean, tidying up any scattered items, and creating a more neutral space can significantly enhance the home's charm and potentially attract your ideal buyer.
Bypassing Staging for Viewings and Open Houses
Absolutely, decluttering is important, but remember, a completely empty house might not be that appealing to potential buyers either. With a professional, tastefully done home staging, the house can look incredibly appealing. It helps buyers imagine what their future life could be like in their new home.
Have good photos
Before even stepping into a home, potential buyers love exploring options online first. So, it's really important to make sure your online listings show off your home with high-quality, professional photos. Photos that don't quite sparkle could miss showing off the special features of your home and might not make your listing stand out in the best way.
Bargaining with a Narrow-Minded Perspective
It's completely okay to have a strong emotional attachment to your home and to want the best possible price for it. However, keep in mind that going into negotiations with a fixed mindset may sometimes lead to a standstill. If you get a fair offer, try to stay open-minded, be ready for some negotiation, and do your best to keep emotions separate from the decision-making process.
Learning from the successes and obstacles of others who have previously sold their homes can make your selling process smoother. By setting realistic expectations, collaborating with a real estate agent, readying your home for potential buyers, and being willing to negotiate, you can attract the perfect buyer for your home. If you have any questions or want to get started with a real estate agent give us a call (717) 779-9833
