TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Selling a home is a complex process with many opportunities for missteps. Avoid these common mistakes to maximize your sale price and minimize headaches.

Setting the Wrong List Price

Pricing your home correctly from the start is crucial. The Price needs to be lowered, and it may linger unsold. The Price needs to be higher, and you lose money.

● Research recent sales of comparable homes in your area, paying close attention to square footage, bedrooms, and condition. Account for upgrades or downsides your home has.

● Work with an experienced real estate agent to determine fair market value. They can objectively price based on the latest data.

● List at a competitive price right from the start. Don't try to start high and come down later. Overpriced homes sell for less overall.

 

Neglecting Curb Appeal

A home's curb appeal makes a critical first impression to buyers. Dress up the exterior to attract more showings.

● Make the lawn vibrant with new sod or seed. Trim bushes and trees. Add flowers and mulch to garden beds.

● Repaint faded exterior paint or stain. Power wash siding. Replace damaged siding or trim boards.

● Ensure the front door looks inviting. Paint or replace the front door and clean the entryway.

● Repair cracks in the driveway. Clean oil spots from the garage floor. Organize outdoor storage areas.

Failing to Declutter and Clean

Clutter distracts buyers from seeing your home's appealing features. Streamline each room.

● Clean all windows, walls, floors, mirrors. Fix chipped paint and nail holes.

● Organize and purge all closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Pack away out-of-season items.

● Remove personal decor. Keep only essential furniture to make rooms appear more spacious.

● Repair all broken fixtures like drawer pulls, cabinet doors, light switches, etc.

Skipping Pre-Inspection

Be sure to find flaws in a home inspection before buyers can see defects in a home inspection. Inspect first and make repairs.

● Hire an inspector to thoroughly examine the roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, appliances, foundation, etc.

● Fix issues preemptively so they don't derail deals later. Renegotiating over repairs gets messy.

● Be upfront by providing the inspection report. Buyers will appreciate your honesty.

 

Picking the Wrong Real Estate Agent

A mediocre or impatient agent won't maximize your home's value. Seek an expert.

● Interview several agents. Ask about experience with the local market, record selling quickly, and marketing strategies.

● Look for full-time agents. Part-timers may not have time to market your listing adequately.

● Ensure the agent has solid reviews for communication skills and negotiation tactics.

● Pick an agent you trust and feel confident will secure the optimal deal.

Pricing Too Low

While overpricing risks your home lingering unsold, underpricing costs you profit.

● Research comparable sales thoroughly. A low price means people will assume something is wrong with the property.

● If unsure between two prices, list slightly higher. It's easier to reduce later than increase your Price.

● Require buyers to submit their highest and best offer by a set date versus accepting the first decent offer.

● Be patient. It takes time to market a listing effectively. Don't jump at the first lowball offer out of panic.

Conclusion

Avoiding common mistakes when selling your home translates directly into more money and a more straightforward process. Price correctly based on market data. Invest in maximizing curb appeal and cleaning. Work with an experienced, responsive agent. Price on the slightly higher side of fair market value, then market aggressively for the optimal buyer.