Avoid the Top Ten Largest
Selling Mistakes
l. PRICING TOO HIGH: It is 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 your competition sell their home. This leads
to long days on the market and costs 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 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 chances 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 and
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. The
most important rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family
room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire home's atmosphere is
set off by these rooms.
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.
6. BE FINANCEABLE: Bad roofs, exterior paint or structural
problems may make your home un-financeable. 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 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 home. 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 a veteran agent working for you, it is during the negotiation
of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars
to you, and will protect your interests.
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
in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.
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