Before you sell your home, save yourself some time and money by making sure to avoid these common house selling mistakes. Then, be sure to also check out our tips to sell your home faster.
Setting Your Price Too High
When you sell anything, it’s important to price it competitively. This is especially true when selling a large-dollar item like a home. We understand that you want to get as much as possible with the sale, but you’ll only do that by pricing it right.
If the property is priced too high, you might struggle to gain interest from buyers. They’ll also expect more than what you are offering, so they are more apt to walk away when these expectations aren’t met.
This results in your home sitting on the market for an extended period of time until you make multiple price reductions. Instead of your house selling, you lose time and money while paying the house payment, utility bills and for the upkeep of the home.
Confusing the Assessment Value with Market Value
If you are looking for the lender to give you an estimate on your home, you are looking at the wrong source. They are more interested in having you refinance and will often give you a high estimate. In addition, the value set by a tax assessor is not a good gauge either.
The best way to judge the value of your home is to get a comparative market analysis which shows what homes in your area have sold for.
Not Creating a Pleasing Environment
It’s important that you showcase your property in any way you can. Buyers are going to be looking at numerous properties and yours needs to stand out. Even a small upgrade or simple effort to the aesthetics has a profound effect on your house selling efforts.
Make any repairs that are necessary and clean up the clutter. Make sure the furniture is arranged in a way that creates space and you should also apply a new coating of paint. Hire a landscaper to fix up the lawn and make your house appealing. The better it looks, the quicker you’ll sell.
Hard Selling During Showing
While showing your property, it’s important that you don’t follow the potential buyer around and show them every feature. You also don’t want to lead them on a guided tour of the property. This only talks a buyer out of purchasing. Give them the space they need to explore the area.
Buying a home is a big decision. If the shoe were on the other foot, you wouldn’t want to feel pressured. Here’s what you can do instead:
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- Be friendly and kind.
- Be sure you answer any questions that arise.
- Avoid conversation about your reason for selling.
- Step outside during the showing or allow a realtor to handle it for you.
Don’t Waste Time with Those Who Won’t Buy
Your house selling adventure is sure to be met with those that are “just looking around.” These people will rattle tons of questions off the top of their heads but have no clear direction. If your prospective buyer isn’t sure when they are buying or what they are looking for, don’t waste time.
Ask direct questions to determine the intention:
- What is your timeframe for purchase?
- What is the budget you are working with?
If these questions yield ambiguous answers, you are best to allow the browsers to look around and be done. Don’t invest too much time.
Not Learning Your Rights as a Seller
If you aren’t familiar with the house selling contracts, it’s time to learn. They are often confusing and complex, but they are legally binding. You need to be clear about everything you agree to if you want to protect yourself in the future.
In addition, you need to learn about zoning laws, deed restrictions and any other real estate laws that pertain to your situation. One small mistake might cost you a lot of money.
Expecting To Receive More Than What You’ve Paid For
When you sell your home, there are companies willing to help you. Picking a full-service company means they do everything needed to sell your property. On the other end of the spectrum, you can opt to use someone that just provides a service or two, but you’ll be doing more work.
You are going to pay for the service you choose. If you try to save money by going to a discount company, don’t expect to receive full-service treatment. Be clear about your expectations up front to see if that company can deliver what you need.
Avoid House Selling Mistakes with Integrity Homebuyers
These common mistakes can all be avoided when you use Integrity Homebuyers. We purchase your home for cash and you don’t need to worry about a thing. We handle it all for you including the repairs, closing costs and showings. There’s no way for you to make a mistake when you sell to us. We’ve been highly trusted in the community and now it’s your turn to put some cash in your pocket. Leave all the work to us! Call (800) 818-4145 today.
We Buy Houses in Maryland and Washington DC
