Selling a home has its ups and downs. Whatever your situation, you probably want the sale to go as smoothly as possible. Avoiding these common mistakes will keep it that way.
Taking your own photos
Many people underestimate the importance of listing photos. According to HGTV, 80 percent of homebuyers nowadays start their search online. If your listing has grainy, unprofessional photos you could take your house out of the running just for that. A survey from NAR showed that homebuyers rate photos as the number one feature they consider when looking at a home online.
So basically, invest in professional photos! There are people that make houses look good in photos for a living – let them do their job. If you don’t know where to start find a photographer, ask your realtor.
So basically, invest in professional photos!
Selling it by yourself
The short explanation – homes sold through a realtor get a higher sales price. Don’t believe it. According to the NAR “the typical for sale by owner home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.”
So if you want to make money selling your home, your best bet is to find an awesome real estate agent.
Quibbling with your realtor over price
Realtors are experts in their area. That means they know what price would fit your home best based on median area prices, recent sales, new listings and current market climate. It’s their job to know these things.
So let them use their knowledge to your advantage!
Using Zillow as a be all end all real estate guide
Same goes for Redfin and Trulia and other such sites. Though they’ve admitted to their “Zestimates” being off by 8%, a recent report by the LA Times found that Zestimates can be off by up to 61%. The average Zestimate is off by $14,000.
So just don’t even go there.
Hovering around prospective buyers
If there are people touring your house, stay out of the way. You want them to be able to picture themselves in the space and having the current owner hanging around will make it difficult. If they have questions, they’ll ask.
So, to be safe, just let your agent handle the showings.
Refusing to negotiate
Even if both parties agree on the sales price, there might be issues uncovered during the inspection or conflict surrounding the close of escrow and move-in dates. If you’re inflexible, it could cost you the sale.
So be open-minded.
Ignoring your agent’s request to fix up your house
Staged homes sell faster and for more – it’s just a fact. You don’t have to update your kitchen and all the bathrooms, but hiring a good deep cleaning service will go a long way in our home’s presentation. Your agent knows what they’re doing.
So just listen to them.
Selling? Find an agent who will help the process run smoothly.