5 Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your House
Why do some homes sell quickly and for a better price while others linger in the market for a very long time? Selling your house requires more than smart marketing — one needs to be practical and realistic. Here are five mistakes that most homeowners make while selling their house:
Emotional attachment to the house:
It is natural for homeowners to share a deep emotional connection to your home when you have had many good memories. But when it’s time to sell, this could work against you, and you could be unconsciously sabotaging your chances of selling your house fast. It’s not easy to let go of something that you love so dearly, but there are practical considerations that are far more important. Acknowledge the grief and learn to move on. Understand that the real estate agent suggesting a more neutral tone to the décor is working in your interest. Begin by removing personal items and painting the house in a neutral tone.
Selling unrealistic price expectations:
Sellers who’re unwilling to detach themselves from the house often end up quoting a much higher price than the market rate. Seek advice from the real estate agent in matters such as these — he has a better knowledge and experience of selling homes. Setting the right price is key to selling a house. Buyers are as likely to do a comparison analysis for your home, as you would have done while buying yours. Some sellers under-price their house, to generate multiple bids and finally be able to bring it on par with the market price. Some sellers list a slightly higher price while still leaving room for negotiations. This ensures that the buyers are satisfied with getting a good value.
Choosing the wrong time:
Homes that are listed just before the summer break are likely to sell quickly than those listed during the winter. The cold weather and the holiday season are likely to put off buyers who would rather stay home than spend time moving.
Limiting your sale options:
If your real estate agent isn’t delivering his promises, it is time to look for other options. But you don’t have to wait until it is too late. For example, there are many real estate investors willing to buy your house for cash. A majority of them offer a free no-obligation quote; maybe you should pick the phone to call the number found on the many ‘We Buy Houses’ signboards. The internet is also a great platform to sell your house fast.
Not preparing your house for a sale:
You don’t have to go the whole hog and hire a professional home stager; there are so many things you can do on your own without spending too much money. For example, de-cluttering the house, cleaning it thoroughly, and applying a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Fixing broken tiles and loose hinges are inexpensive, but they help to make a good impression on buyers.
