Selling a home can be a complex and tedious process when you consider all the steps involved. You have to list the house, prepare it for showings, find buyers, organize for inspections and appraisals, and finally complete the closing date due process.
Costly mistakes can occur in between these steps, especially if you're a first-time seller. So the best way to go about selling your home is by anticipating some of the potential problems that could occur even before they do.
Here are some mistakes to shy away from when trying to sell your home.
Not Consulting a Real Estate Agent
While not a requirement, a real estate agent can be crucial to selling your home quickly and for the best price possible. They understand the local real estate market, are well-connected, know what buyers are looking for, and have lots of experience selling houses and dealing with everyday issues that occur during a home sale. There's usually a lot of uncertainty and stress that comes with selling your home by yourself, and working with an expert can guarantee you some much-needed peace of mind.
Not Pricing Your Home Right
Pricing is a critical factor when selling your home, so you have to get it right from the onset. Take some time to research recent sales in your local area. The best place to start is by looking at similar properties that have been recently sold, preferably within the past three months. By doing this, you will have a rough idea of what buyers are willing to pay for homes just like yours, and that can help you price your home accordingly. A real estate agent knows the local housing market and can help you price your house correctly. They will draw upon their knowledge of the local real estate market and help you determine the right price to list your house.
Not Investing in Curb Appeal
Buyers form an opinion about a property based on their first impression. So you have a really short window span to impress them with the exterior of your home, or else they might lose interest even before they step inside. You don't have to break the bank to spruce up your home's curb appeal. Start with small home improvements like manicuring your lawns, trimming bushes, repainting, cleaning windows, washing sidings, etc.
A Bad Paint Scheme
Paint color schemes do matter and can make a big difference when selling your home. Choose color undertones that will blend well with the architectural design of your home to bring the most value to the property. Paint colors should also complement the look and feel of your house. You also want a color that will complement the interior décor of your living space.
Not Decluttering
Decluttering is crucial when preparing your house for sale. You want to get rid of anything that's broken or unnecessary, but this doesn't mean you have to strip your home of all its personality. Aim for a neutral look. You don't want buyers feeling like they're walking into an empty shell. Decluttering can also help prospective buyers envision themselves in the space without any distractions. A few family photos on a shelf are fine, but you don't want to give potential buyers the impression that they'll be living in someone else's space if they purchase it.
Not Staging Correctly
Preparing for home showings is an integral part of the home selling process. Sometimes showings are scheduled with little or no notice, so it's helpful to have a plan beforehand. The first step is making sure all the necessary repairs are done and that all the staging supplies are available. If you don't have enough time to clean up the house before showings, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to get the job done.
Not Investing in Professional Real Estate Photography
The quality of your real estate listing photos can make or break your home selling process. So, make sure they're in tip-top shape. It's tempting to cut corners with this one and entrust an amateur or even do it yourself, but we advise you don't do it. Many homebuyers begin their house hunt online, and you don't want to lose out on this frontier. If you work with a real estate agent, they can provide you with access to some excellent local professional photographers.
Do Not Ignore Needed Repairs and Upgrades
No matter how nice your home looks, buyers will always be keen on the structure's condition. Issues with plumbing, heating, or other important home elements can impact the offer price or result in no offer at all. Buyers will infer that since key repairs or upgrades were ignored, there's a good chance maintenance protocols were also overlooked. This can devalue your home significantly, leading to many frustrations for you as a home seller.
Getting Emotional
You likely have many memories tied up to your home. But when negotiations roll in, you need to do your best to separate yourself from the emotions and focus solely on getting a good deal. It can be hard not to take things personally because of the strong emotional attachment you have to your home, but that doesn't mean everyone else will see its value the same way you do. So focus on making a reasonable deal.
Lack of Flexibility Accommodating Buyers
Try your best to accommodate different buyer schedules. Failure to do so could result in losing out on many potential customers. Don't be too picky about the times for showings or open houses. Allow visitors to see the property at their convenience, even if it means going out of your way during weekdays or on weekends when you'd rather be doing something else.
Ultimately, you want your home selling process to go as smoothly as possible, and good preparation is key to that effect. The tips outlined above should help you sell your home confidently by avoiding some of the common errors many home sellers make. If you're selling a home in Vermont, reach out to Heney Realtors. Our local Vermont real estate experts can assist you in selling your home quickly and at the right price. Learn more about the services we offer to sellers.