Selling your home can be an emotional process, so avoid these common mistakes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Hiring a professional or adding an extra coat of paint on the walls can make a huge difference as you sell your home. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when selling your home:
1. Pricing your home too high
When you price your home too high, it stays on the real estate market for longer. When buyers see how long your home has been on the market, they might jump to conclusions and wonder if something’s wrong with the house.
A good strategy is to price your home on the low side. Although that might sound scary, what usually happens is buyers get excited about the home. You’ll then get multiple offers, and the buyers will bid the price up to the actual market value.
2. Skimping on visuals
First impressions are everything. That’s why many real estate agents hire professionals to take photos of their clients’ homes.
In addition to hiring a professional photographer, these tips will also make your home shine in photos:
- Depersonalize your home so buyers can picture themselves living there
- Make sure there is plenty of natural light
- Get rid of clutter
Remember, most buyers are looking at photos of your house online before they ever visit. Make sure these photos show off your home in a positive light.
3. Being dishonest about problems and repairs
The buyer’s inspection will expose any problems in your home, so be honest with yourself and with potential buyers if your home needs any repairs.
It might be worth it to do updates to your home if they will attract buyers who are looking for a turnkey home. These new features could be a major selling point.
But don’t take on any major renovation projects — instead, ask yourself if the walls need a new coat of paint or if your carpet needs updating.
4. Refusing to negotiate
Depending on whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market, you could get offers that are higher than the asking price. But a good strategy is to leave some breathing room in your price for negotiations. This way, the buyer feels like they’re getting a good deal.
If you get a low offer, don’t take it personally. It’s normal to have an emotional attachment to your home, but in the end, it’s a business transaction. You can either negotiate or decline.
5. Going at it alone
Selling a house on your own means you’re missing out on the expert help and advice that real estate agents provide. It’s a complicated process with many steps.
An agent will help you:
- Stage your house and schedule showings
- Get your listing in front of the right people
- Negotiate with buyers
- Organize your real estate paperwork
Although doing for sale by owner may save you money on commission costs, you’ll lose those savings if your home doesn’t sell for what it’s worth.
Conclusion
Whether this is your first time selling a home or you’re a seasoned professional, the process can be difficult but manageable.
If you’re ready to finalize the purchase of a home in the Birmingham metro area or Tuscaloosa, Heights Title is here to help. Our experienced team is ready to educate and inform while providing you with a professional point of resource.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your title professional for specific information regarding your situation.