Monday, May 13, 2024 / by Richard Eimers
SELL SMART: 6 SURPRISING SELLER HABITS YOU NEED TO BREAK NOW
By Richard Eimers, May 13, 2024Selling a home can be a complex and emotional process, and certain habits can unintentionally sabotage the sale. Here are six surprising habits that sellers should ditch to help ensure a smooth transaction and potentially faster sale:
Over personalizing the Space: While your home may reflect your personal taste and memories, buyers need to envision themselves in the space. Over personalizing, like displaying family photos or unique decor, can make it harder for buyers to imagine the home as their own. Neutralizing the decor and depersonalizing can make the property more appealing.
Sticking Around for Showings: Sellers often want to be present at showings to answer questions and oversee the process. However, this can make potential buyers uncomfortable and less likely to express their honest opinions or explore the property thoroughly. It’s best to leave the house during showings and let the real estate agent handle it.
Ignoring Curb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, and a poor first impression can deter interest from the start. Neglecting the yard, exterior paint, or general cleanliness can turn buyers off before they even step inside. Simple fixes like maintaining the landscaping, repainting the front door, or ensuring the walkways are clean can make a big difference.
Setting an Unrealistic Price: Pricing your home too high from the start can deter potential buyers and lead to a longer time on the market. This often results in price cuts later, which might give buyers the impression there is something wrong with the property. Setting a realistic, market-based price can attract more buyers and potentially speed up the sale.
Not Addressing Minor Repairs: Small issues like a leaking faucet, a squeaky door, or cracked tiles can signal to buyers that the home hasn’t been well-maintained. Taking the time to fix these issues before listing can improve the overall appeal and suggest to buyers that the home is cared for.
Refusing to Negotiate: Being inflexible on the price or other terms of the sale can kill a deal quickly. It’s important to be open to negotiation and understand that selling a home is often about compromise. Being reasonable and willing to work with buyers can lead to a successful sale.
