Selling your home can be an overwhelming and complicated process, particularly for first-time home sellers. From financing to decorating, there are a number of pitfalls that can trip up any potential seller. Even in a seller’s market like Durham, it’s important to be aware of the common mistakes that can hinder you from selling your home quickly. Here are the top 5 home selling mistakes to steer clear of:
Not being flexible:
Unfortunately selling a home is not a black and white affair, but often requires negotiations and flexibility. Creative financing, accommodating closing dates, and being willing to negotiate are just a few of the issues that may require flexibility and openness during the home selling process. Don’t exclude potential buyers because you are unwilling to budge on your sale conditions.
Lack of preparation:
Does the living room need a fresh coat or paint or is your front yard looking a little overgrown? Now is the time to spruce up your home and get it ready for the market. Not preparing your home for the housing market could cause you to lose countless potential buyers. So make sure your home and yard are in tip-top shape before listing it with a real estate agent.
Being impatient:
Selling a home often takes time and patience. Depending on your asking price and the market conditions, it may take many months before you get an offer. So don’t get discouraged if the offers aren’t flowing in within the first few weeks. Instead, discuss with your real estate agent potential marketing initiatives, stage your home before showings, and have faith that you will sell your home.
Lackluster photos:
We’ve all heard the old adage ‘a picture says a thousand words.’ Ensure that your house is saying exactly what you want it to with flattering and professional photographs. Most potential buyers begin the house hunting process online, so make sure your home is accurately represented with high-quality photos.
Going solo:
While the idea of selling your home without a real estate agent and saving on the commission may sound appealing, unless you know exactly what you’re doing it’s a good idea to work with a professional. Working with a real estate agent can save you time, money and unnecessary headache. Real estate agents can ensure that your home gets the exposure it needs to sell quickly and will protect your interests and priorities during the negotiation process.
If you are a homeowner and are thinking of selling your home, now is the perfect time to speak with a real estate professional. In Durham there are currently many qualified buyers and not enough homes for sale, creating the ideal seller’s market for you to sell your home. If you would like to learn more about common home seller mistakes or are considering selling your home feel free to give me a call today. I’d be more than happy to discuss your options with you and provide you with a free home evaluation.
