Mistakes when Selling Your Home

Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home
by: Karen Seawell

Keeping your home showing-ready, waiting for an offer, or deciding on price changes...stress! Reduce the hassle by using the knowledge and experience of your real estate agent to help the selling process go more smoothly.

Common mistakes that sellers make are:

Refusing to make necessary repairs. You can often recoup three to five times the cost of minor improvements. Listen to your agent if they make suggestions. It will significantly increase the value of your home.

Not allowing your home to be easily shown. Making sure your home is accessible is very important. 24-hour notice appointment-only showings are very restraining. Utilizing a lock box is the more effective arrangement. You can still be on a permission-only basis for showings.

Priced too high/too low. Have your real estate agent prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) of homes that have recently sold in your area to ensure you have it priced right. Additionally, that agent should look at your competition in the marketplace and advise you accordingly. If your property is priced too high it will sit on the market. If it is priced too low you stand the chance of losing thousands in profit.

Not having enough exposure to potential buyers. Make sure that your home will be listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) right away and not held off the market. Some real estate brokers offer this holding-out option of 30-60 days to sellers in hopes of selling the property themselves. Yet, when I work with buyers, I look on the MLS for them each day for new listings that may match their needs. It generally does not take 30-60 days for me to find a home that works for them. Make sure your agent is advertising your home on the Internet and MLS.

Refusing to make cosmetic changes. The buyer will formulate a first opinion of the home as soon as they drive up. Don't eliminate your home from the buyer's list before they even step in the door. Ensure that your lawn is mowed and free of weeds. Toys and garden equipment should be put away. Eliminate any clutter, bad stains, and unpleasant odors on the inside. Spruce up the front door area with a wreath or fresh coat of paint. The little things DO make all the difference.

Wasting your time with an unqualified prospect. It is your agent's responsibility to screen a prospect's qualifications. Don't waste time with a buyer who can't afford your home or isn't ready to move yet.

Don't test the market. Never put your home up for sale unless you are serious about moving. Staging a home can lead to fast offers, often at full price.

Not hiring a professional. Don't put yourself in the position of having a friend or family member list your home then fail to meet your expectations. A good idea is to have a written performance guarantee with your agent. Ask them to put in writing everything they intend to do in order to get your property SOLD!

More Articles
•	What to Ask Your Realtor Before You List Your Home by Rick Walters
•	What is the Closing? by: Judy Marlowe
•	Make a Good First Impression! Tips to Spiff Up your Home by Luly Reinhardt
•	Preparing the offer by Mary Jo Ridenour
•	Home Inspection 101 by: Walt Douglas
•	Why do I need a realtor when I have the Internet? by: Dennis Brothers

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