10 Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid

Dated: February 7 2024

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Selling your home can be intimidating and, while a real estate agent is essential to help you every step of the way, there are selling tips to be aware of and avoid. See below for 10 Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid.

  1. Pricing too high. It's no secret, price is everything. Overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single factor. When you overprice, you put your home in competition with the other homes that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than yours. Essentially, you help your competition sell their home. This leads to long days on the market and costs you (the seller) money in the long run. Make sure you get your pricing advice from a professional agent who knows the market.
  2. Poor condition. A home that is in ill repair, or otherwise poor condition, does not excite buyers. A home like this is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pitt. Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve your chances for a sale at top dollar value. In addition, having your home pre-inspected by a termite and dry rot inspector will also have a positive impact on buyers.
  3. Poor curb appeal. Most buyers today want to drive by. If your home is an attractive drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Doing the little things to help your home's curb appeal will make a huge difference. 
  4. Dreary dark homes. Buyers like updated, light and bright homes. Dark carpets, paint and curtains are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your home and remove clutter; touch-up and update paint, counter tops and carpets. Open your home up and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn-offs to most buyers. Rid your home of those offensive smells by burning scented candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire home's atmosphere will be set off by these rooms.
  5. Don't over-improve. Get your home in good, showing condition, but be conscious to not over do it. Huge projects, such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks, and expanding room sizes, may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, call and ask your realtor for advice.
  6. Be financeable. Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your home un-financeable. The wider the scope of financing that your home can qualify for, the higher the overall market value. Remember - goverment programs like VA and FHA will be the most picky.
  7. Get good advice and good market exposure. Hiring a professional realtor will help you get your home priced right, and will also get you started with the best fix ups. A strong agent will get your home exposed to the largest number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of selling your home. Trying to sell your home yourself can be costly. Most 'For Sale by Owner' homes close for less than comparable homes listed with an agent, and you have no representation. 
  8. Don't be present during showings. When your home is being shown, go for a drive or a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets out of the house and let the agent and their clients have the freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your home when you are not underfoot, and buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time looking at your home's features and benefits. 
  9. Let your agent do the negotiating. If there is ever a good reason to have a veteran agent working for you, it's during the negotiating of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interest. Don't let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.
  10. Act fast with offers. When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest levels are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer's motivation level decreases with time. Buyers' remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.

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Beverly J. Van Alstine

A Bit About Beverly J. Van AlstineHi, I’m Bev. I’m a licensed full time REALTOR® with Messina & Associates Real Estate, proudly helping home buyers and sellers throughout Duluth, M....

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