Serious about selling your home? Before you sign anything, read about these common mistakes home sellers make:
1. PRICING TOO HIGH It's no secret, price is everything. Overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single factor. When you overprice, you put your home in competition with homes that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than yours. You help you competition sell their home. This leads to long days on the market and cost you, the seller, money in the long run. Make sure you get your pricing advice from a professional agent who knows the market.
2. POOR CONDITION A home that is in ill repair or otherwise poor condition, does not excite buyers. A home like this is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pit. Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve your changes for a sale at top dollar value.
3. POOR CURB APPEAL Most buyers today want to drive by. If your home is an attractive drive by, it will gain more attention certainly more showings. Doing the little things to help your home's curb appeal will make a huge difference.
4. DREARY DARK HOMES DON'T SELL Buyers like updated,light and bright homes. Dark carpets, paint and curtains are often buyer turn offs. Go through your home and remove clutter, touch up and update paint, counter tops and carpets. Open your home up and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn offs to most buyers. Rid your home of offensive smells by burning scented candles and create a pleasant aroma.
5. DON'T OVER IMPROVE Get your home in good showing condition, but don't over do it. Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks and expanding room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, get some good advice.
6. BE FINANCEABLE Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your home unfinanceable. The wider the scope of financing that your home can qualify for, the higher the overall market value.
7. GET GOOD ADVICE AND GOOD MARKET EXPOSURE Hiring a professional agent will help you get your home priced right and will also get you started with the best fix ups. A strong agent will get your home exposed to the largest number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of selling your home. Trying to sell your home yourself can be costly. Most "for sale by owner" homes close for less than comparable homes listed with an agent and have no representation.
8. DON'T BE PRESENT DURING SHOWINGS When your home is being shown, go for a drive or a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets and let the agent and their clients have the freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your home when you are not underfoot. Buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time looking at your home's features and benefits.
9. LET YOUR AGENT DO THE NEGOTIATING If there is ever a good reason to have an agent working for you, it's during the negotiation of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interests. Don't let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.
10. ACT FAST WITH OFFERS When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer's motivation level decreases with time. Buyers remorse can even set it. Acting in a timely manner is essential.
Thinking of Selling Your Home?
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