Three Common Home Sales Mistakes To Avoid
If you're looking to sell your house, you may think that you can just list it and it'll sell, almost without effort. The truth is, not only does selling your house take effort and a skilled real estate agent, but it also requires that you avoid some key mistakes that could ultimately cost you a chance at a sale. Especially if this is the first time you've sold a house, you'll want to make sure that you avoid these things.
Poor Property Preparation
In order to get the best price for your house, you'll want to do some preparation first. If you don't take the time to make sure that the house is at its best, you won't get the best possible price. For example, doing things like touching up the paint, repairing visible structural damage and even cleaning up the landscaping can make a difference in the quality of the property appraisal and sale price.
You'll also want to go through the inside and stage it as completely as possible. Remove any personal objects from the house, like pictures and personal trinkets. Then, arrange the furniture so that it's inviting but open. Don't leave any rooms cluttered. You want to ensure that everything is as clean and well organized as it can be.
Improper Pricing
One of the biggest mistakes that many sellers make is failing to adequately price their home when putting it on the market. If you price your home over or under the current market trend, it's going to stand out and may negatively affect your chances to sell. Buyers often compare the price of the home to the price of similar homes in the neighborhood. If there's a marked discrepancy, it can discourage people from making an offer.
The best way to avoid problems like this is to work with a real estate agent who can give you a comprehensive valuation of the property. This ensures that you price your home in a reasonable price range that gives you a good chance at an offer.
Unrealistic Expectations
It's not unusual for first-time sellers to think that anyone who requests a showing is likely to make an offer and buy the house. You might find yourself getting overexcited about showings and thinking that each person that comes through the door is going to be the one. Don't let that excitement cloud your judgment. When you evaluate an offer on your home, make sure that it is reasonable before you respond to it. That way, you avoid the emotional ups and downs that can come from having unrealistic expectations that just aren't met with the next showing.