Common Selling Mistakes That Could Haunt Your Sale
Selling your home should be an exciting new chapter, not a spine-chilling horror story. But if you’re not careful, certain selling mistakes could turn the process into a real nightmare – leaving you haunted by missed opportunities, delays, and even your sale falling through. We highlight the common blunders that could turn a sale into a fright fest so you know how to avoid them. Let’s take a look!
Overpricing your home
Nothing spooks potential buyers faster than a home with an over-inflated price tag. While you might think your home is worth every penny, overvaluing your property can be a significant selling mistake, a surefire way to scare off interest.
It’s only natural to have an emotional attachment to your home, especially if it holds years of memories. But allowing those feelings to cloud your judgment can be a major mistake.
Buyers are savvy these days, often armed with data on local property values. They won’t waste time on a home they feel is overpriced, meaning your listing could sit unsold for weeks, or even months, leaving you haunted by your choice.
By working with a trusted estate agent you can get a realistic sale price. Be open to feedback from potential buyers and remain flexible when it comes to negotiations.
Tip: pricing correctly could result in multiple offers – you never know some buyers might even consider paying a premium for your home.
Poor staging
A poorly staged home will give buyers the wrong impression, turning what could be a dream home into a haunted house in their minds.
Cluttered rooms, personal knick-knacks, or neglected interiors can make it hard for buyers to envision themselves living there. The result? Viewers walk away, and your home remains on the market.
To avoid this from happening invest some time and effort into proper staging as it helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
Declutter, add neutral décor and create a welcoming atmosphere. If you can afford it, consider hiring a professional staging service as they truly can work magic. A well-staged home will engage a greater pool of potential buyers and could help your home sell quickly.
Tip: don’t forget the outside – first impressions count ensure you home has ‘kerb appeal’.
Ignoring necessary repairs
Picture this: a buyer walks in, only to be greeted by peeling paint, and creaky floorboards. Yikes. These things can be off-putting for a large pool of potential homebuyers. They even might get convinced that the house has deeper issues lurking below the surface. Ignoring these repairs can be costly selling mistakes.
Some don’t mind small DIY jobs, but many homebuyers are more likely to be interested in a home that’s move-in ready. So, before listing your home, take care of any obvious repairs and maintenance and get clued up about what not to fix when selling your home.
Remember that as a seller you are required to disclose material information and any known defects in the property when listing your property for sale. Buyers have a right to know about potential issues with a home before making an offer.
If a buyer finds out about problems later, it could result in your house sale falling through. Failure to disclose known defects can even result in legal action against you. That’s why it’s essential to consult with the estate agent and ensure they are aware of any issues.
Failing to advertise properly
You’ve listed your home, but the phone’s not ringing, and the viewings are non-existent. What’s gone wrong? It could be that your marketing efforts are as invisible as a ghost.
Poor or limited marketing, whether it’s a weak online presence, not having the right pictures taken or an estate agent who might not be pulling their weight, can be the cause.
Make sure you’re working with a reputable accredited agent who understands the power of modern marketing. From an online local presence, showing up on the property portals and social media, to traditional methods like open houses and local outreach.
Great photos can grab someone’s immediate attention and can help your listing stand out. Most importantly, a well-rounded marketing strategy can bring your listing to life.
Ignoring kerb appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing people see, and if it’s not well-maintained, buyers may think the inside might not be maintained either.
Remember, some people check out the area first before they decide upon viewing. So, tidy up your garden, mow the lawn, and give your front door a fresh coat of paint. First impressions count, and a clean, inviting exterior can set the right tone from the get-go.
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Last Updated: November 4th, 2024
