There are many mistakes home sellers can avoid with the assistance of a seasoned real estate agent. Your agent can guide you through the processes that lead you to a successful sale. Here are a few of the most common mistakes you can avoid that will help you get your property sold in today's market.
Mistake #1-Underestimating Your Competition
If you want to sell your home, you have to look at who your competition is and position your home to stand out. You may not be able to control the market conditions, recent property sales or your competition, but you can control your home's condition, marketing, and contract terms. The better you position your home as a "Great Value" to prospective buyers, the more likely you will sell.
A few tips: Drive around your neighborhood. Who is your competitiion? Visit their open house or view their property listings on the web. Identify your house's benefits and problem areas.
Mistake #2-Overpricing Your Home
You probably already have a number in mind. Is it based on what you paid for the property? What you need to get out of the property? What your neighbor's house sold for last year?
The best way to determine a fair market list price for your home is to ask your real estate agent to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis for you. this report will lists how many houses in your area have sold in the recent past, what buyers paid for properties similar to yours and which ones failed to sell.
The worst thing you can do is overprice your house from the start! The first two weeks after a listing is placed on a Multiple Listing Service is the most important time. This is when a new property on the market generates the most excitement and activity.
Mistake #3-Not Preparing Your Home For Sale
With so many homes on the market, today's buyer has a lot to choose from! If you want to get the best price for your property in the shortest amount of time, doing some initial work to prepare your home for sale is crucial! Sometimes, it only takes a few simple changes such as repairing, cleaning or a fresh coat of paint.
A few tips: Bring curb appeal to your home! The outside appearance of your home is just as important as the inside to a prospective buyer. Give buyers a reason to be so excited when they pull up to the curb they'll want to come inside and see the rest! Sweep the front walkway, remove toys, bikes, extra cars. Trim the shrubs, paint the front door, etc... On the inside, detail every area such as; sparkling clean sinks and appliances, fix leaky faucets, pack up and store personal items, pictures, etc...
This is just a short list of common mistakes sellers make and only a handful of tips you can follow. When you're ready to put your house on the market, get with your agent and go over the listings and sales and ask for advice on how you can prepare your home to bring the best possible price in the shortest amount of time. Believe me, your real estate agent will be glad you asked and are willing to help!
When you're ready to sell property in the Corsicana, TX or Navarro County area, contact me. I have been assisting buyers and sellers for the past 30 years and am an Accredited Staging Professional. I would love to help you get your house sold or assist you in purchasing your dream home!
