Selling a home is complicated.
Some homes sell in less than a week. Others might sit on the market for months! It depends on the pricing strategy, how well the property presents and the marketing plan. The process can be tricky!
Here’s a list we made of the eight most significant mistakes that can make the job of selling your home more difficult.
Picking the wrong agent.
Real estate agents sell the majority of all homes, but all agents are not the same – not even close!
An agent’s experience, knowledge, and marketing plan can significantly impact your success.
So, it pays to take some time to find the right agent by reading reviews on websites like Rate My Agent.
And make sure you know what their fees do and don’t include so that you’re not in for any nasty surprises.
Not trusting your agent.
It’s normal to be nervous when it comes to selling your home, but you must trust your agent’s expertise and skills. Remember that this is why you picked them!
Ask lots of questions and stay informed but try not to doubt and take control of everything as this can end up doing more harm than good.
Poor presentation.
A home buyer’s first impression is by far the most important! Many home sales have been lost to unkempt gardens, clutter, stained carpets, dirty kitchens, and bathrooms with unpleasant smells. Imagine you are the buyer and clean your home from top to bottom. And when you think it’s clean, clean it again!
Lack of maintenance.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your home is not paying attention to the little details. A broken light, chipped paint, a missing tile – these things can make all the difference on whether a potential buyer makes an offer.
Check out our blog on The details that matter when selling your home.
There are thousands of homes for sale so make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons.
Making decisions based on emotion.
Selling your home is a business transaction. Don’t let your emotions affect your judgement. Remember, purchasers are not buying your home; they are buying a house to turn into their own home.
Failure to research the value of your home and understand the market conditions.
Trust your agent, yes, but also inform yourself of the value of your home. Research the market, request the appropriate appraisals, lookup similar listings and check out the sales history for your suburb. Knowing the value of your property will help give you a better idea of how to price it and how much you can realistically expect.
Setting an unrealistic price.
Set the sale price too high and your home will sit unsold and develop the identity of a problem property. BUT price your home too low, and you may give away thousands of dollars to a total stranger. Either way, you lose. Setting the right price involves evaluating numerous factors … and it’s critical. That’s where we come in!
Appearing too eager
This is a common mistake when you need to sell the house quickly for one reason or another. Buyers will sense your urgency, and if they feel you’re desperate to sell, they could take advantage and offer a lower price.
If you’re thinking about listing your home for sale, speak to #TeamEtchells. We will help you avoid these costly mistakes!
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 