Are you thinking about selling your house? Here are some common mistakes that are being made right now that’s causing the process to be more stressful for some sellers. And even costing them money!
Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how we can help you steer clear of them.
1. Overpricing Your House
It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains:
“Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer.”
And your house sitting on the market for a long time could lead to price cuts that raise red flags about “what’s wrong” with the property. That’s why pricing your house right from the start matters.
To advise you on price, we look at what other similar nearby homes have sold for, the condition of your house, and what’s happening in the market right now. That way we can suggest a price that’s more likely to bring in buyers, and maybe even more than one offer.
2. Spending Money on the Wrong Upgrades
The housing market has nearly a half million more sellers than buyers according to Redfin. That means you have more competition as a seller and may have to do a bit more to get your house ready to sell. But not all projects are going to be worth it. If you spend money on the wrong projects, it could really cut into your profit.
We work with buyers and know what they’re really looking for, so we can help you figure out which projects are worth it, and which ones to skip. Even better, we know how to highlight any upgrades you make in your home, so your house stands out online and gets more attention.
3. Refusing To Negotiate
Now that inventory has grown, it’s important to stay flexible. Buyers have more options – and with it comes more negotiating power. U.S. News explains:
“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”
Again, that’s where we come in. We’ll advise you on what’s normal in today’s market, and how to find a win-win solution. Sometimes making a small compromise can keep the deal moving and help you move on to your next chapter faster.
4. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent
So, you want to interview several agents? Be sure to do your research.
- Ask about how many homes has the person sold? (We’ve sold 400.)
- Ask about their marketing plan. (We have one.)
- Ask about how committed they are to representing your home. (Are they going to attend every showing or just give the lock box code to any agent who calls. We attend every showing. If we’re not there to sell your home, then why did you hire us? If for some reason we can’t, another Today Real Estate agent who is fully briefed about your home will.)
Bottom Line
Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have us by your side. If you’re ready to sell, let’s talk. You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com.
Mari and Hank
Make Your Move with Mari 