Be prepared to sell your home and avoid these common seller’s regrets.

After building a career in real estate and being a professional real estate agent for over 25 years, I understand that selling your home is a major life decision. It’s also an emotionally loaded decision. One of our goals as a team is to guide you through your real estate transactions as smoothly and problem-free as possible. With that in mind, I give you these ten potential threats that sellers face and how to avoid them:

1. Underpricing your home. Sellers tend to underprice their homes to attract potential buyers for a quick sale but pricing too low means leaving money on the table. Before pricing your home, research your market and consult a knowledgeable agent to ensure you get top dollar.

2. Overpricing your home. Unlike underpricing, where you can get a quick sale, overpricing will leave your home lingering on the market, costing you more money in the end. Study comparable sales around your area to find that “sweet spot” that will attract potential buyers.

3. Emotional attachment. Selling a home can be an emotional process, but try your best to be as objective as possible when making decisions. Emotions can sometimes cloud your judgment, so make sure to clearly define and go back to your goals for selling and stay focused throughout the process.

4. Dismissing offers. Don’t instinctively reject offers when they don’t meet your expectations, as it can cost you money later. Try to take a second look at their offers and be open to negotiations.

Transparency is the way to go to avoid problems with your home sale.

5. Market timing. Trying to predict the perfect market conditions can backfire when done alone. Working with a good agent who knows the market better can help you decide when to best list your home based on seasonality and buyer demand.

6. Lack of marketing. I stand behind our motto, “It’s not the market; it’s the marketing that makes the difference." Poor marketing limits your exposure to potential buyers, negatively impacting your home sale. Creating a strong and successful marketing strategy with photography, video, and social media is an effective way to get exposure and the price you deserve.

7. Hiding defects. Failure to disclose issues about your home can lead to legal action. Transparency is the way to go to avoid problems with your home sale.

8. Choosing the wrong agent. Take time to interview multiple agents and get to know them before working with them. Find out whether they know your local market, have the experience to back you up in your home sale, and have strategies that align with your goals. 

9. Rushing the process. Haste makes waste. Instead of trying to sell quickly, prepare your home property. Gather the needed documents and carefully review offers so you don’t miss opportunities.

10. Not preparing for hidden costs. Being blindsided by the costs and fees associated with selling your home can lead to stressful financial situations. Be prepared by discussing all potential costs you need to fulfill when selling your home.

Make your home selling experience smooth and free of regrets. Our team can help you develop a strategy for your real estate goals and help avoid these common pitfalls of home selling. We also offer a free home equity review and consultation with no sales pressure. Just an honest conversation about your future plans. If you have any more questions or are unsure of what your next step should be, contact me by phone or email. And remember, It's Not the Market...It's the Marketing That Makes the Difference!