SELLING TIPS

HIDING ISSUES

The golden rule definitely applies here. It’s important to make sure that you are ethical and honest in your approach to selling your home. Most homes have a few scrapes and bruises; buyers can understand this. What they can’t tolerate is being lied to or deceived about the condition of the largest purchase of their lives. Make sure that you honestly disclose issues that could be of concern. This will leave you with a clear conscience and spare you legal trouble in the future. 

IGNORING AGENT ADVICE

Your agent is your advocate. He/she wants to help you sell your home for the highest price possible and in the time frame that is important to you. Because agents are in and out of houses of all pricepoints regularly and interact with buyers frequently, they have a pulse on the market. They understand many of the complex factors at play and are trained to advise you as they see market fluctuations or have concerns. You will need to complete a seller’s property disclosure; the best rule of thumb is to be honest.

GETTING CAUGHT UP IN EMOTIONS

Selling a home may be an emotional process. It helps to remember it’s a financial transaction; you’re selling a home, not the memories you made in it.  

OVERPRICING THE HOME

It may be tempting to overprice the home, especially if you’ve made improvements. However, overpriced homes may sit on the market longer and sell for less than if they were priced properly to begin with. 

EXPECTING BUYER'S TO PAY ASKING PRICE

All buyers will attempt to negotiate a better deal unless you live in a seller’s market where bidding wars are common. It’s important to take in offers objectively, not personally.

NOT LISTENING TO THE MARKET

Prospective buyers can give you great insights as they tour your home. Their feedback gives you a window into what the market is thinking. It is wise to listen to feedback. Ultimately, a house is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. The condition of a home, the location and lot, and the price are all very important factors that influence a buyer’s decision.  If prospective buyers are providing feedback that one of these matters poses a problem, consider it thoughtfully.

NOT PREPARING FOR SHOWINGS

Clean and tidy houses show better and typically sell faster.  Think of a showing as a date. Your house makes an impression on them the moment they pull up.

ASSUMING YOUR HOME IS PERFECT

A great sign of memories made is a little wear and tear. No home is perfect, and every buyer is going to come up with a list of items they would like repaired. Prepare yourself for this. It’s reasonable for a buyer to ask for broken items to be fixed and for safety issues to be corrected.