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Mistake #1 - SETTING AN UNREALISTIC PRICE

Many Sellers believe that pricing their home high and waiting for the "right buyer" to come alongs will net them the most money. However, overpriced homes often sit on the market with little activity, which can be the kiss of death in Real Estate - and result in an inevitable price drop. 

Alternatively, if you price your home at ( or sometimes slightly below) market value, your homecan be among the nicest that Buyers have seen withing their budget.  This can increase your liklihood of receiving multiple offers. 

To help you set a realistic price from the start, we will do a comparative market analysis, or CMA.  This integral piece of research will help us determine an ideal listing price, based on the amount that similar properties have recently sold for in your area. 

Without this data, you risk pricing your home too high ( and getting no offers ) or too low ( and leaving money on the table).  We can help you find that sweet spot that will draw in Buyers without undercutting your profile.  

Mistake #2 - TRYING TO TIME THE MARKET

You've probably heard the old saying: Buy low and Sell high."  But when it comes to Real Estate, that's easier said than done. 

Delaying your home sale until prices are at their piak may sound like a  great idea.  But Sellers should keep these factors in mind;

1. Predicting the market with certaintly is nearly impossible

2. If you wait to buy your next home, its price could increase, as well.  This may erode any additional proceeds from your sale. 

3. If mortgage rates are rising, your pool of potential Buyers could shrink - and you will have to pay more to fnance your next purchase.

Mistake #3 - FAILING TO ADDRESS NEEDED REPAIRS

Many Sellers hope that Buyers won't notice their leaky faucet or broken shutters during a home showing.  But minor issues like these can leave Buyers worrying about more serious - and costly 0 problems lurking out of sight.

Even if you do receive an offer,  there's a high likelihood that the Buyer will hire a professional home inspector, who will flag any defects in their report.  Neglecting to address a major issuecould lead Buyers to ask for costly repairs, money back, or worse yet, walk away from the purchase altogether. 

To avoid these types of disruptions, its important to make necessary renovations before your home hits the market.  We can help you decide which repairs and updates are worth your time and investment.  In some cases, we may recommend a professional  pre - listing inspection. 

This extra time and attention can help you avoid potential surprises down the road and identify any major structural , system, or cosmetic faults that could impact a future sale. 

Mistake #4 -  NEGLECTING TO STAGE YOUR HOME

Staging is the act of preparing your home for potential Buyers.  The goal is to " set the stage"  for Buyers to help them envision themselves living in your home.  Some Sellers opt to skip this step, but that mistake can cost them time and money in the long run.  A 2021 survey by the Real Estate  Staging Association found that , on average, staged homes sold nine days faster and for $40,000 over the listing price. 

Indoors, staging could include everything from redecorating, painting, or rearranging your furntiure pieces to removing personal items, decluttering, and deep cleaning.  Outdoors, you might focus on power washing, planting flowers, or hanging a wreath on the front door. 

You may not need to do all of these tasks,  but almost every home can benefit from some form of staging.  Before your home hits the market we can refer you to a professional stager or offer our insights and suggestions, if you prefer and do it yourself route. 

Mistake #5 - EVALUATING OFFERS ON PRICE ALONE

When reviewing offers, most sellers focus on one thing: the offer price.  And while dollar value is certainly important, a high - priced offer is worthless if the deal never reaches the closing table.  Thats why its important to consider other factors in addition to the offer price such as:

• Financing and Buyer qualifications
• Deposit Size
• Contract Contingencies
• Closing Date

Depending on your particular circumstances, some of these factors may or may not be important to you.  For example, if your still shopping for your next home, you might place a high premium on an offer that allows for a flexible closing date.

Buyers and their agents are focused on crafting a deal that works well for them.  We can help you assess your needs and goals to select an offer that works best for you. 

Mistake #6 - ACTING ON EMOTION INSTEAD OF REASON

Its only natural to grow emotionally attached to your home.  That's why so many Sellers end up felling hurt or offended at some point during the selling process.  Low offers can feel like insults. Repair requests can feel like judgements,  And whatever you do - don't  listen in on showings through your  security monitoring system.  Chances are, some Buyers won't like your decor choices  either. 

However, its a hugh mistake a ruin a  great selling opportunity because you refuse to counter a low offer or negotiate minor repairs.  Instead, try to keep a cool head and be willing to adjust reasonably to make the sale.  We  can help you weigh your decisions and provide  rational advise with your best interests in mind. 

Mistake #7 - NOT HIRING AN AGENT

There's  a good reason 90% of homeownders choose to sell with the help of a real estate agent. Homes listed by an agent sold for 22% more than the average For Sale by Owner home, according to a recent US - Based study. 

Selling a home on your own may seem like an easy way to save money.  But in reality, there is a steep learning curve,  And a Listing Agent can:

• Skip past - time - consuming problems
• Use market knowledge to get the best price
• Access contacts, and networks to speed up the selling process

If you choose to work  with a listing agent, you will save significant time and effort while minimizing your personal risk and liability, and the increased profits realized through a more effective marketing and negotiation strategy could more than make up for the cost of your agent's commission. 

We can naviagate the ins and outs of the housing market for you and make your selling process as stress - free as possible.  You may even end up with an offer for your home thats better than you expected.