Here are the 10 most common mistakes sellers make, but you can avoid:
Mistake #1. Wrong Price.
Experience shows the right price sells a home faster than any other factor. When the listing price is more than 5% over market value, the price alone discourages buyers. That's because an overpriced homes scares away potential buyers who think they can't even afford to look. Buyers who do look at an overpriced home know they can get more home for their money elsewhere.
Mistake #2. As-Is Condition.
In today's competitive market, most buyers will not even consider a home that needs fix-ups, unless it is a bank foreclosure at a deeply discounted price. In contrast, a sparkinlg showcase home gets top dollar when it comes to the bottom line. What most buyers are looking for is an inviting home in move-in condition, one that looks as good as a model home. Buyers who are willing to tacke the reparis after moving in automatically substract the cost of needed fix-ups from the price they offer. Either way, you save nothing by putting off fix-ups from and likely slow the sale of your home.
Mistake #3. No Curb Appeal.
Your home gets only one chance to make a good first impression. That's why "curb appeal" is one of the most critical points in selling. buyers are apt to fall in love at first sight - or not at all. If your home lacks curb appeal, chances are the first impression will not counteracted by the most perfect floor plan or the most tasteful interior. Spruce up the view of the home from the street, including lawn, shurbs, shutters, windows, front door, mailbox, etc. Add a little color with potted flowers out front, or anything else that will enhance your home's "buy me" look.
Mistake #4. Dreadry Dungeon Cells.
A clean, bright decor is what buyers want. Probably the best dollar for dollar investment for selling your home fast is fresh paint. Neutral colors are best. Next to fresh paint, new carpeting - replaced for either condition or color - makes a big difference. "Elbow grease" can be as effective as spending cash to brighten your home. Start by ruthlessly getting rid of the junk you've accumulated over the years. Clean each room top to bottom. Dare to make your home look better tahn you've ever had it looking before.
Focus on the three rooms more inspected - kitchen, master bedroom and garage (if you have one). Forget those and you may as well forget the buyer too. In the kitchen, clear off counters and unclutter cupboards. Keep in mind, some prospects will judge the whole home by the cleanliness of the oven or refrigerator. In the master bedroom, move or remove furniture to creat spaciousness. The ideal garage stores only cars and perhaps an orderly display of garden tools, so throw out your junk to show off room for theirs.
Mistake #5. Lavishly Over-Improving.
While it's important to fix whatever needs fixing to get your home ready for sale, undertaking a major project could cost more money than you would recover from the sale. Spending too much on remodeling projects, jsut drains money out of your pocket. If your improvements will push your home's value more than 20% over the average neighboring home values, don't expect to recoup the entire cost. (Some major projects, however, like replacing a roof, should be done if they are needed.)
Mistake #6. Inflexible Financing.
The more buyers you appeal to in terms of financing, the greater your chances of selling faster. Be flexible. Consider accepting FHA and VA financing, offering seller financing, paying closing costs or points, providing a decorator's allowance or other buyer incentives.
Mistake #7. General Custer Syndrome.
Going it alone like General Custer could invite disaster. Without a professional advisor, you probably won't sell in today's market. Even if you do sell, surveys show self-sellers often net less from the sale than sellers who use a real estate agent. Selling a home is a team effort between you and the listing agent. You'll find agents do a lot more than most people know - from bringing qualified buyers to keeping things on track to settlement.
Mistake #8. Always Be Underfoot.
The presence of your family can make prospective buyers feel like intruders. If you're at home when your home is being shown, be your usual friendly - but low key - self and keep children and pets out from underfoot. It's the agent's job to show buyers what they need to see. Buyer can better focus on your home's advantages by viewing them than by socializing. If an open house is scheduled, plan to be away from home, but let us know how to reach you quickly. When you're not at home at other times, agents accompanying prospects will leave their business card. Please alert us afterward so we can follow up.
Mistake #9. Put Up Your Dukes.
No one wins if you enter negotiations with boxing gloves on. Instead, approach negotiations in a positive frame of mind, not as an adversary of the buyer. After all, you both want the same thing - a sale. Leave most of the discussion of the price, terms, possession and other conditions up to your agent. We'll make it our business to get you the best deal.
Mistake #10. Let A Buyer's Contract Languish.
One of the most important moves you can make is to reply immediately to an offer. When buyers make an offer they are, right then in the move to buy. Moods, as you know, change, and you don't want to lose a sale because you stall in replying.
We'll work together! Let us help you sell your home without a mishap. Working together, we'll avoid the common - and not so common - mistakes sellers often make. We can also advise you on the purchase of a new home. Please feel free to contact us with all your real estate questions at info@yusrealty.com or at 863-421-4070