Avoid the Top 10 Selling Mistakes

Serious about selling your property? Before you sign anything, read about these common mistakes that sellers make:

1. Pricing Too High: Overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single factor. When you overprice, you put your property in competition with properties that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than yours. You help your competition sell their property. This leads to long days on the market, and costs you, the seller, money in the long run. Make sure you get your pricing advice from a professional agent who knows the market.

2. Poor Condition: A property that is in ill repair, or poor condition, is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pit. Having your property in good condition and great showing condition will significantly improve your chances for a sale at top dollar value.
   

3. Poor Curb Appeal: Most buyers today want to drive by. If your property is an attractive drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Doing the little things to help your property's curb appeal will make a huge difference.

4. Dreary Dark Properties Don't Sell: Buyers like updated, light and bright properties. Dark carpets, paint, and curtains are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your property and remove clutter; touch up and update paint, counter tops, and carpets. Open curtains and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn-offs to most buyers. Rid your property of offensive smells by burning scented candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire property's atmosphere is set off by these rooms.

5. Don't Over-improve: Get your property in good showing condition, but don't over do it. Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks, and expanding room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, get some good advice.

6. Be Financeable: Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your property un-financeable. The wider the scope of financing that your property  can qualify for, the higher the overall market value. Remember -- government programs like VA and FHA will be the most picky.

7. Get Good Advice and Good Market Exposure: Hiring a professional agent will help you get your property priced right, and will also get you started with the best fix ups. A strong agent will get your property exposed to the largest number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of selling your property. Trying to sell it yourself can be costly. Most 'for sale by owner' properties close for less than comparable properties listed with an agent, and you have no representation.

8. Don't Be Present During Showings: When your property is being shown, for a drive or a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets and let the agent and their clients have the freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your property when you are not underfoot. Buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time looking at your property's features and benefits.

9. Let Your Agent Do the Negotiating: If there is ever a good reason to have a veteran agent working for you, it's during the negotiation of your property sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interests. Don't let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.

10. Act Fast With Offers: When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer's motivation level decreases with time. Buyers' remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.