Don’t make these mistakes when selling your house
We don’t buy and sell homes on a regular basis and for that reason, we can mistakes along the way that can be very costly to you and your family in the future.
- Getting emotionally involved
You’ve spend years in your home and have seen your children grow up there. Your youngest took her first steps just down that hall…. Wake up! (Sorry, someone had to snap you out of it). You’ve had some great memories your house but you’ve got to act like a business person once you’ve decided to sell. Distance yourself by looking at the transaction from a financial perspective – it’ll be much easier on you.
- Not knowing what your house is worth
Before putting your house up for sale, you need to have a good understanding of what it’s worth. Many times, we can become blinded by the potential numbers and this can lead to a long road in trying to find a suitable buyer. Overpriced houses don’t sell. Even though a home in your neighborhood sold for an impressive price, that doesn’t mean that your home will fetch the same. Things to consider include: updates and upgrades, landscaping, lot size, are you beside a school/park/mall? All of these factors and some others can drastically affect your home’s value.
- Expecting to get your asking price
Any (and every) smart buyer is going to negotiate! If you’re looking to make a sale, you’ll need to play the game. Be sure to list your home at an attractive price but also leave some breathing room for negotiations. At the end of the day, depending on whether you’re in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market this could change but have realistic expectations.
- Not seeing the little things in your house
Because you spend so much time in your house, the little things that could use some attention, tend to get missed. We sometimes forget that we have a cracked tile in the kitchen or a room that could use a fresh coat of paint. Ask a friend to walk through your house with you and point out all the things that could use a fix.
- Not accommodating potential buyers
Yes, there is some inconvenience you’ll have to endure when you are selling your home. De-cluttering and keeping things tidy before every single visit is important. Buyers won’t know if your home was clean yesterday and yes, it IS a lot of work – but keep your eyes on the prize.