Selling a home is a highly stressful experience and it can therefore be easy to make some common mistakes.
Setting an unrealistic price
An overly-low price could result in the seller losing thousands of dollars while one set too high could mean it doesn’t attract buyers.
Thus, a home’s offering price should be realistic and based on its condition, location and market value.
Remember that buyers will also research what is a realistic price.
Either way, don’t expect to agree with the buyer on the asking price and always be prepared to negotiate on this issue.
Lack of presentation
At the very least, a property should be thoroughly cleaned and decluttered before an open house.
Shabby furniture, fixtures and fittings should be replaced or hidden from easy view.
Hire a home stager if necessary or invite a friend over for their objective opinion of its appearance.
Unprofessional photos
Quality photography is as key to a great sale price as a neat house, with most buyers looking at a home online before examining it firsthand.
A professional photographer will use a wide-angle lens and ensure every image features the best lighting.
Hiding major issues
Attempting to hide major property flaws is both unkind and foolish in the long run and sellers who do so should expect a loss or far lower sale.
Buyers will generally discover such problems through the inspection process and withholding them from buyers can result in troubles with disclosure laws.
By fixing problems before listing the property, these can instead become major selling points.
The fixes can also be cheaper than the sale price subtraction that buyers will request after learning of the issue.
Sellers who can’t resolve the issue before listing the property should fix its asking price at lower than market value and tell potential buyers about it.
Another option is to offer buyers a credit on the home’s price.