7 Ways to Sabotage The Sale of Your Home

by Haydn Halsted

Through the years, we’ve worked with countless sellers. The sale of your home relies on a number of factors, and we understand it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. Don’t let these traps sabotage the sale of your home.

We’re here as a resource for this potentially stressful transaction to be a smooth sail from listing to closing.

Mistake #1 - Not Knowing The Local Market

Knowing the sold price of homes in your neighborhood gives you a good idea of how much you should list your home for. Overpricing can leave your home on the market for longer than anticipated, putting things on hold. We keep track of the neighborhood statistics for you, so you’ll always be up to date.

Mistake #2 - Overlooking Easy Fixes Before An Appraisal

Pass your home inspection with flying colors! Low-cost updates throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, family room, and the overall curb appeal can boost your appraisal. Be sure to keep a record of all major home renovations!

Mistake #3 - Keeping The Clutter

First impressions are long lasting. You may be blind to your home’s disorganization, but it will be the first thing a buyer will notice. When a buyer is serious about a home, they'll want to see every inch of it. Don’t forget to clear out closets, drawers, and all those small places where clutter can build up.

Mistake #4 - Poor Photography

When most home buyers begin their search online, photos are your home’s first impression. Instead of using an iPhone, we hire a professional photographer to show your home on its “best” day. Professionally staging your home paints a picture for potential buyers, which is a service we’re happy to offer.

Mistake #5 - Weak Marketing Strategy

Most sellers don’t work with realtors who have a strong online presence. When you sell with us, we make sure your home gains maximum exposure to potential buyers. Our website and email blasts, coupled with our use of targeted Facebook marketing, allows our properties to reach thousands.

Mistake #6 - Selling Your Home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) & Not Using An Agent

Some think selling a home on their own is easy, but at the end of the day, you’ll most likely need the help of an expert. Not only will we provide invaluable market insight, but we’ll help you through all the paperwork and negotiate for you. Homes also tend to sell for more when working with a realtor. (According to NAR, FSBO's accounted for 7% of home sales in 2017. The typical FSBO home sold for $200,000 compared to $265,500 for agent-assisted home sales.)

Mistake #7 - Life Happens

Some buyers might get cold feet or have a change of heart. This is one area where sellers have minimal control over, and most of the responsibility is on the buyer. Some need to make a big purchase right before closing, which can cause their loan to fall through. Some things are out of your control… but we’re here to ensure everything in our control goes smoothly.