Common Home Seller Mistakes that Cost You in the Long Run

If you have decided to sell your home, consider the following mistakes often made by sellers.  By noting these it will make your home selling process much smoother and less stressful.  It will also probably get you more money for your home in a quicker amount of time.

1.       Mistake: Not getting a pre-listing home inspection done.

Many sellers pass this off, saying that there is nothing wrong with their home and therefore they don’t need a home inspection done.  However, home inspectors are professionals who are trained at looking at both the immediate and future repairs as well as any possible issues the home may have.  They also note easy problems that you can address on your own time before negotiating with a buyer over repair costs.  In the end, getting this pre-inspection done can save you both time and money.

2.       Mistake: Not prepping your home.

Some sellers don’t want to prepare their home for sale, but instead want to try and sell it as is.  This is a big mistake and I can’t emphasize that enough.  By putting your house on the market unpainted with things needing repairs it is going to stay on the market and if you get an offer, it is most likely going to be below asking price.  By sprucing it up with a new coat of paint and fixing the little things, buyers will be much more willing to consider the house. You will find that the house will sell quicker and for a higher price.

3.       Mistake: Choosing the wrong realtor.
Instead of looking for a well-known realtor® that has good reputation for listing houses, some people tend to go with realtors® that are close to the family or are friends of friends.  Don’t make this mistake.  Pick a realtor® who you know will market your home correctly and get you the most for your home in the least amount of time.

4.       Mistake: Not thinking about curb appeal.
The first thing a potential buyer sees is the outside of your home and as we all have heard before – first impressions are everything.  If a buyer doesn’t like the look of the outside of your home, they may not even want to go in it.  Consider taking the time or hiring someone to pull weeds, paint the front door, and clean windows.

5.       Mistake: Not disclosing information.

Not disclosing information is a mistake that you will end up paying for down the road.  If you don’t disclose the information the buyers will find out before or after the sale. If they find out before, you will end up in repair negotiations.  If they find out after, you could end up in court with a lawsuit.  Neither situation is good, so it is always better to disclose all information about your home.  To clarify disclosing information it is telling potential buyers information such as a leaky roof in winter or a pest problem.

6.       Mistake: Overpricing your home.

When you price your home, you ultimately determine who will and who won’t look at the house.  You have to remember that the real estate is competitive and if your home is overpriced, buyers will go on to the next one without second thought.  Listen to the advice of your realtor who can give you a comparative market evaluation for your home to make sure it is listed at the correct price.

7.       Mistake: Not preparing for a showing.

One major part of selling your home is having showings.  Once you list your home on the market, expect showings at all times.  Make sure you and everyone else living there keeps the place clean and presentable.  Also, if you have pets, consider locking them up for the showing.   In addition, try to make your home as neutral looking and smelling as possible.

Now that you know some of the major and costly mistakes that home sellers make, you can avoid them.  If you are looking to put your home on the market, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Astra Mulawka
Sales Representative
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate Signature Service