For most homeowners, selling a house is one of the biggest financial transactions that they experience. It is natural to want to get the highest price possible for your home when you sell it, but achieving that will require effort and preparation. If you plant to put your home on the market in the near future and want to sell it for the best price possible, avoid the following common mistakes:
Not Using a Real Estate Agent
In most cases, the seller of a home pays the real estate agent their commission, and some people think they can save a few thousand dollars by trying to list their home as for sale by owner. In reality, doing this is usually a bad idea, especially since most homeowners usually do not know anything about marketing a property or all of the paperwork that must be completed during a home sale. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced and reputable real estate agent to list your home when it is time to sell.
Neglecting to Make Repairs in Advance
If your home is in need of major repairs, do not put it on the market until the repairs are made. When a home has problems that require major repairs, buyers are often either scared away or they submit a low-ball offer or ask for cash back at closing. The best thing you can do is order a home inspection prior to listing your home and then make all needed repairs before your house is even on the market.
Failure to Make Your Home Appealing to Buyers
When a potential buyer walks into your home, it is important for them to be able to imagine themselves living there. Your home must be sparkling clean from top to bottom and every room should be neat and organized to the best features of your house can stand out. Don't forget to clean out closets, cabinets, and drawers—potential buyers will often open these things to look inside and the last thing you want is a huge mess.
Pricing Too High
One of the single most common mistakes home sellers make is setting the initial listing price too high. When your home is priced higher than comparable homes in your neighborhood, it is not likely to get much attention from buyers. Your real estate agent will do a comparable cost analysis on homes that have recently sold. It is in your best interest to take your real estate agent's advice when it comes to pricing your house.
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