10 Things Not To Do When Selling a Home
Selling a home can be complicated and stressful. However, by avoiding these top ten mistakes, you can sell your home for top dollar without the hassles.
#1: Don’t Get Emotional
This is easier said than done. You’ve made memories in your home, so it can be very emotionally when trying to sell, especially if someone says something about your home that you don’t like. However, selling your home is a business deal, so it is best to think like a businessperson and try to see your home as a buyer sees it. If you find yourself getting emotional, turn the issue over to your real estate agent.
#2: Don’t Sell Your Home On Your Own
Speaking of real estate agents, it is a good idea to have one. They can help you get the best price for your home at a faster pace than if you tried to do it alone. They can also help keep your emotions in check, negotiate the best deal, and keep the paperwork in order. An agent helps a difficult process go more smoothly.
#3: Don’t Be Realistic About Your Home’s Value
Setting a realistic asking price on your home is key to getting it sold quickly. Listen to your agent who will have done the comparable market analysis and will know the best asking price. If you don’t listen and price too high, your home will sit on the market for too long. If you price too low, you will leave money sitting on the table.
#4: Don’t Think Your Asking Price Will Be the Selling Price
The asking price of your home is where the bidding starts. However, the selling price is typically something else and will require good negotiating skills.
#5: Don’t Sell A Home During the Winter Months
The winter months, especially around Christmas, is a terrible time to sell your home. Few people buy during this time, making home prices go down. Spring and early summer is the best time for most single-family homes. Early fall can also be good, especially for condos and townhomes meant for retired buyers.
#6: Don’t Limit Your Online Photos
Did you know that 95% of buyers begin their search online? Studies have shown that good photos, and plenty of them, help potential buyers choose your home to go on the “must-see list.” Your photos should be professionally shot and should show each room, as well as points of interest like a fireplace, deck, or large laundry area.
#7: Don’t Hide Problems
Problems with your home will be noticed when a buyer orders an inspection. Finding out about known problems during an inspection can often derail a deal. It is better to disclose the issue, or better yet, fix it before putting the home on the market.
#8: Don’t Forget to Stage Before Selling a Home
Cleaning and staging your home for sale is the best way to sell your home quickly and for more money. This includes things like shampooing carpets, painting walls, eliminating clutter, removing bulky furniture, and making each room have a purpose.
#9: Don’t Keep Saying No
It is important that you have your home available to show to potential buyers as often as possible. Limiting the hours of showing will limit the number of people who see your home. Do your best to say yes to every showing, or, at the very least, offer a large window of opportunity for showings that include morning, afternoon, and evening hour blocks of time.
#10: Don’t Waste Your Time With Unqualified Buyers
Be sure that your agent only shows your home to those with a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender. There is no need to waste time showing your home to people who will not be able to buy the home.
Although selling a home can be stressful, following these ten tips can make it much easier. Doing so will go a long way toward helping you sell your house faster and for more money.