What NOT to Do When Selling Your Home

One of the most important things you can do before listing your home for sale is to make it “show ready.” Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your house, so make it as inviting as possible. If they don’t feel comfortable, they’ll look elsewhere for real estate. To sell your home quickly, you should have it spotless, sanitized, and ready for showings. If your home is showing well, you can consider removing personal items, sweeping, and polishing. You also should keep the bathrooms sparkling and clean, and make sure there are no dust bunnies in corners.

As a seller, you should focus on looking at the process as a business and not an emotional one. While you may be feeling emotional, the real estate agent’s job is to generate the highest sales price for your property. This means separating yourself from your home’s emotional aspect and looking at it from a financial perspective. While this isn’t possible for every situation, you can make sure your home is in the best condition and is priced right.

Invest in a pre-inspection report. Typically, this will cost you $350-500, but it will alert you to any repairs or issues that need fixing. It’s worth spending the money for a pre-inspection report, especially if you’re an investor or flipper. If you don’t do this, potential buyers may not trust you enough to make a fair offer. If you don’t fix the problems, potential buyers will lose trust and back out.

Keeping the price reasonable is crucial to maximize your home’s potential. If you’re priced too high, it will be sitting on the market for months. If buyers see the home for several months, they’ll probably conclude it’s defective, and will have to lower the price to attract them. This can lead to a slow market time and lost opportunities. If you’re willing to lower your price, buyers will want to see your home.

Unless you have a lot of equity in your home, you should wait to sell your home until you can make a profit. If possible, stay in your home for at least five years to break even. If you can, keep the price as low as possible. That way, a seller will break even on the sale. When the house has sold, you’ll be left with a profit, and you’ll get rid of unwanted personal items.

Make sure to remove pets before viewings. Make sure your carpets are clean, as buyers can read negative feedback. Buyers will also read into the list price. If you list the price too high, the potential buyer will think you’re unreasonable or owe too much. So make sure to give the rooms a purpose and a clear use. If there is a guest bedroom, make it so. Otherwise, a buyer might discount the price based on the wallpaper.

List your home at a fair price. Many sellers are too emotional, and overprice their homes. A lower price means the seller won’t make much money, and a higher price means they’ll get a better deal. A low offer is not a reason to let your house sit unoccupied. It can make a buyer feel comfortable discussing the house without you. If multiple bidders are interested, you’ll have a better chance of sealing the deal.