Halloween is only a couple of days away. This week is frightening enough by itself without adding scary home-selling mistakes to the list. While it may seem like selling your home is an impossible task with landmines along the way, it doesn’t have to be quite so dramatic or difficult. If you avoid these common mistakes, then you’ll have a less stressful and more successful sale.
Selling before you’re ready
It can be very emotional to say goodbye to a home you’ve loved. If you notice that it’s becoming too difficult, then you may not really be ready to sell. In addition, you should thoroughly examine your finances to determine whether or not you have the money you need to buy another home. This is especially true if you’re planning to upgrade.
Not pricing your home correctly
One of the most costly mistakes of the home-selling process is not pricing your home correctly. If you price your home too high, then it could sit on the market for weeks or months without an offer. The longer your home languishes without an offer, the more difficult it becomes to sell. It’s very easy for home buyers to research comps in your area and they will have an idea of what your home is worth. Save yourself some headaches and price your home appropriately from the start.
Not getting your home show ready
You never get a second chance at a first impression. It is essential that your home makes a great first impression to potential buyers. You must make your home ready for showings before it hits the market. Thoroughly clean and de-clutter. Stage your home so that it’s easy for buyers to see themselves living there. Keep pets away and remove all signs of them – including any lingering pet odors.
Not being honest with disclosures
There are certain disclosures you are required to make to buyers. The guidelines vary from state to state, but a good rule of thumb is to be upfront about potential problems in your home. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it could also save you from a law suit down the line.
Not being open to negotiations
Once your home has been put on the market, you’ll begin receiving offers. It’s important to keep an open mind when it comes these offers. Don’t be too rigid on the selling price. In addition, don’t immediately dismiss lowball offers by not responding to them. Give potential buyers an opportunity to come to a price that is agreeable to both parties. This is also true when it comes to seller concessions. Though it would be amazing to sell for your asking price with no concessions, it may not be reasonable and you could lose out on a good sale.
Not working with a professional
Finally, you could be making a mistake by not working with a professional real estate agent. By working with an agent, you can easily avoid all the scenarios above. An agent who is an expert in your area will know how to price your home, will understand disclosures, and will negotiate on your behalf.
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