Seven Selling Mistakes You Don't Want to Make!

  When preparing to sell a home, it is extremely important to properly plan and to consider many aspects that will have a significant impact on your success or failure.  Even if you have sold a home before, it is important to evaluate each sale on its own merits and circumstances.  Here are a few mistakes many seller make when selling their home. 

  Mistake #1 -- Pricing Your Property Too High

    Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her property. However, the best way to accomplish this is NOT list your home significantly above market value. A high listing price will cause many prospective buyers to lose interest even before seeing your property.  In addition, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and in the end, ultimately sell at or near market value.

  Mistake #2 – Using Old or Refinancing Appraisals for the Market Value

  Unfortunately, some sellers use an old appraisal or a recent appraisal obtained to refinance the home to determine the asking price for their property. An old appraisal or an appraisal acquired for refinancing purposes will almost always be inaccurate for sales purposes. Your best option is to contact us to receive a Free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA provides the most recent information regarding property sales in your area. This will provide you with an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 -- Forgetting to "Showcase Your Home"

  In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Ensure your home is clean, free of clutter and in good repair.  A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.

Mistake #4 -- Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing

  Buying a home is always an emotional and difficult decision. For this reason, it is important to allow prospective buyers the privacy to comfortably examine your property while still being friendly and hospitable.  If the prospective buyers are with a Realtor, step outside, stake a walk or stay in one room while they preview your home.

Mistake #5 -- Trying to Sell to “Lookers”

  An individual(s) who shows interest just because of a "For Sale" sign may not really be interested in your property and may not even be a prospective buyer. These individuals may be considering selling their home and want to see what the competition has to offer or they may be neighbors who always wanted to see the inside of your home.

 In addition, when these individuals are not accompanied by an experienced Realtor, chances are they not currently in the market to purchase a home, but may be within 6-9 months. They may still have to sell their home, locally or in another area, they may be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate or they may not be able to afford a home yet.

Mistake #6 -- Not Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities

  It is extremely important that you are knowledgeable of the details contacted in real estate contracts. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of or understanding the requirements contained in a contract could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, inspections, closing costs, etc.. Know what you are responsible for BEFORE signing the contract.

Mistake #7 -- Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

  A wide variety of advertising techniques should be employed to market your property. Your Realtor should also be committed to selling your property. The agent should be available to respond to every inquiry about your property from each prospective buyer or buyer’s agent.