Most Common Seller Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Selling a home can be accompanied by numerous stressors and unexpected emotions. Making mistakes that cost time, money, and even the sale can add stress. Here are some of the most common seller mistakes and how to avoid them.Â
Overpricing a Property
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is setting an unrealistic asking price. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market for too long, leading to price reductions and a loss of buyer interest. To avoid this mistake, work with a real estate agent to conduct a comparative market analysis and use those insights to price your home competitively to attract more buyers and increase the chances of multiple offers. Additionally, have a negotiation strategy in place once you receive an offer. Consider all offers carefully and work with your agent to counter effectively.
Neglecting Necessary Repairs
Sellers often avoid making repairs, assuming buyers won’t notice or will fix to accommodate their preferences after closing the home. However, unaddressed issues can signal that there may be more significant issues with the house. Ignoring these repairs can deter potential buyers and lead to lower offers. Before listing your house, conduct a pre-listing home inspection to identify and address any significant issues. This can boost buyer confidence and reduce negotiation hurdles.
Skipping Professional Staging
A cluttered, outdated home that isn’t staged can make a negative first impression. When your home is on the market, first impressions are crucial, and a well-presented home can significantly impact its perceived value. Hiring a professional stager or staging company can ensure your home will present itself as most appealing to the buyers in your home’s market. Declutter, depersonalize, and professionally stage your home to showcase its best features. Neutral paint and minor upgrades can go a long way in increasing its appeal to buyers.
Ignoring Curb Appeal
Before buyers enter your home, they assess the curb appeal. While some buyers can look beyond a less-than-perfect exterior, many will decide if they like your home before entering. Enhance curb appeal by maintaining the lawn, power-washing the driveway, adding fresh mulch, and upgrading the front door with a fresh coat of paint or new hardware.
Not Being Flexible with Showings
When selling your home, the entire time the house is on the market may feel inconvenient. Keeping the home in show condition, needing to leave the house on short notice, and staying away during open houses can be tiring. However, if you are rigid in your approach and limit showings, you may reduce your chance of accepting an appealing offer. Try to be as accommodating as possible with showing requests. Consider allowing virtual tours for out-of-town buyers.
When it’s time to sell your home, a Calcagni agent can help you avoid common mistakes. Contact a Calcagni agent now to get started!
