The entire home-selling process is complex and stressful, but there are ways to make it smoother. Rather than tips, we’ve gathered a list of common mistakes that homeowners have made to avoid yourself before you sell your home. Think of it as insider’s look on what not to do – from for-sale to sold.
1.) Ignoring necessary repairs (and instead making costly renovations).
Evaluate any serious repairs before listing your home. It will only help you pass inspection and add value to your home. A long list of maintenance issues, on the other hand, will turn off potential buyers and delay the selling process until they’re done. Glaring repairs should be made; but not necessarily renovations, which could be costly and you may not recover those costs in the purchase price.
2.) Underestimating the costs of selling a home.
It’s important to keep in mind the broader scope of costs associated with the home-selling process before you list your home, which includes your real estate agent’s commissions, repairs, staging, marketing photos, the rent for temporary housing if needed, moving expenses and closing costs. But consider these investments that are only improving the sale price.
3.) Falling short on home show prep.
First impression is everything, and that starts with your home showings to prospective buyers. Declutter, depersonalize, clean, stage and decorate. Staged homes sell 88 percent faster and for 20 percent more than those that aren’t. And don’t forget about curb appeal: pull weeds, mulch beds, and give your home’s exterior a little TLC overall.
4.) Using poor-quality listing photos.
Especially in today’s digital listing age, your photo and video marketing can make all the difference in attracting homebuyers – especially when more and more buyers nowadays are purchasing homes without physically seeing the property. High-quality, professional photos and video tours are a must.
5.) Limiting showings.
This is your home’s time to shine! Given the national trends, once your home hits the market, it could sell fast, so be prepared to show your home as much as possible – even if it’s inconvenient with your schedule or regular routine.
6.) Setting an unrealistic price.
Rely on your real estate agent to do all of the research on the local housing market, including comparable home prices and the trends of buyers and sellers. The listing price needs to be fair – not too high or too low.
7.) Only considering the highest offer.
While it’s tempting (and exciting), the highest offer isn’t always the best offer. There are also other contingencies that must be met before closing on the sale, such as certain financing and inspections, or that the potential buyer must sell their existing house.
8.) Choosing the wrong real estate agent.
It’s so important to work with a real estate agent who makes you his or her first priority. They are working for you, so interview them by asking questions like: What is their marketing plan for your home and the costs associated with that, do they require a contract to work them, what is their negotiation style, how often do they communicate with you? Then, go with your gut.
Are you ready to sell your home? Because of today’s competitive market, you’ll want Paige Bird as your real estate agent to sell your condo fast and at the price you deserve. Paige is one of the top selling agents in the area, and #1 in the state as a RE/MAX agent. Contact Paige Bird today so she can sit down with you to get started in the home selling process at 843.450.4773.
