Selling your home is no easy task. There’s a reason 90% of For Sale By Owner homes end up being sold by a real estate agent. But even with real estate expert helping you sell your home there are some things you should know to make the process as easy as possible. Below we will look at some of the most common mistakes that I’ve seen home sellers make in my 21 years of selling real estate in the Sioux City area.
Price Set Too High
Very few houses sell for more than their appraised value. It is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to get the most money possible out of your house but very often the result is more time spent on the market before finally having to reduce price.
Poor Home Condition
A home that’s in bad shape does not excite buyers. A home like this is viewed by buyers as a project and possibly a money pit. Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve your chances for a sale at top dollar value. This can be ignored of course if you intend for your home to be marketed “as is” or as a “fixer-upper”. Properties like this will need to be priced accordingly and definitely have their place in real estate marketing.
Clutter
Go through your home and de-clutter as much as you possibly can. Now is a good time to pack up those collections and start taking things off the walls and filling nail holes, in particular if you plan to paint interior walls. Consider how much you can live without for the foreseeable future. Try to view your home with a critical eye and think like a homebuyer. De-personalize your home to the extent you can. You want buyers focused on the home, not your belongings. A properly staged home can get you more money for your home and speed up the home selling process.
Curb Appeal
Many buyers will see your home online and then drive-by to get a sense of the neighborhood and the curb appeal. If your home is an attractive drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Keep the grass mowed, weeds pulled, trees trimmed and the gutters clean. If you have landscaping keep it looking fresh and healthy as long as possible. If you don’t have landscaping consider some plants or flowers in containers along the front walkway or driveway. Try to make the front of your home inviting and welcoming. During the winter keep the walk-ways clear of ice and snow.
Home Improvement
Get your home in good showing condition but don’t over do it. Huge projects such as complete kitchen remodels, expanding rooms, or remodeling bathrooms may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge home improvement project, if selling your home is on the horizon for you, get the advice of a Realtor first to help you determine if it is worth your time and money.
Attempting to Negotiate for Yourself
If there is ever a good reason to have a Realtor working for you, it’s during the negotiation of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you and will protect your interests. Try to separate your emotions from the negotiation process. Staying cool and calm will ultimately serve you much better than being upset or offended by an offer. Always remember that while it feels personal because it’s your home, ultimately this is a business transaction.
Not Acting on Offers Quickly
Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the minds of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer’s motivation level decreases with time. During a delay buyer’s remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of selling in the near future I would be thrilled to schedule a time to come chat with you about the market value of your home, best timing and make specific recommendations to improve your listing position. Please feel free to call, text, or email me anytime to schedule an appointment. Interested to know what your house is worth?