10 Costly Mistakes that Can Delay a Quick Sale
Mistake #1: Listing Your Home with Just Any Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right realtor can make all the difference in finding a buyer and concluding a successful sale. Before you list your house, ask friends or business associates to refer realtors to you, and why they recommend them. During the interview, ask the realtor if you can call a list of his or her clients who have had a successful sale. Ask how long it takes on average for the realtor to sell a home in your price range and neighborhood. Ask if they have any guarantees. Ask if you can get out of the listing agreement easily if you are dissatisfied with their services. Listing your home with a realtor who is not actively working for you can waste months of your time and thousands of your dollars.
Mistake #2: Not Enhancing Your Home’s ‘Curb Appeal’
When a potential buyer drives by your home, their first impression will be based on your home’s ‘curb appeal.’ If the buyer is disappointed by what they see, they may not even bother to request a showing, no matter how wonderful the interior of your home is. Almost half of all houses purchased are sold before prospective buyers open their car door and walk into your home. Ask your realtor what you can do to improve your home’s appeal, so that the property shows at its very best.
Mistake #3: Insisting that Your Home Is Shown Only When It’s Convenient for You
While no one wants dinner frequently interrupted or to spend Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon leaving their home for no purpose, often the only time buyers can see your home is after work or on weekends. Plan ahead. Keep the house orderly and make the time away from home fun. Remember this last minute showing may be the last buyer you will have to show your home to.
Mistake #4: Attempting to Hide Problems With Your Home
Be honest with your realtor about problems with your home and property relating to health, safety, or the environment. During home inspections, most problems will be discovered anyway. It’s better to factor any issues into the listing price, or state up front you, as seller, will correct specific items prior to sale.
Mistake #5: Inadequate Marketing
Marketing today requires much more than a ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard. Prospective buyers with their busy schedules don’t take the time to simply look through the classifieds and drive by homes that might be of interest. Buyers want information immediately. You need to ensure your real estate agent will use all the internet and local resources available to market your property worldwide. Effective twenty-four hour marketing will ensure that your home receives the necessary exposure to attract a ready-to-act buyer in the shortest amount of time.
Tune in next week for Part 2 and be ready for that quick sale in the new year. If you have any questions about how to position your home for a successful sale, just stop by our Coldwell Banker office and talk to any of our experienced, knowledgeable agents.
