The Top 5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make

If you’re ready to sell your home, you may be excited to move on to the next chapter in your life. But before you do, you’ll need to navigate the selling process. Unfortunately, doing so can be tricky. The steps involved are complicated, and sellers frequently make blunders that wind up costing them big. The good news? By knowing what not to do, you can set the stage for a smooth and successful sale!

If you’re putting your home on the market, here are five common mistakes to avoid…

1) Pricing incorrectly

When it comes to selling your home quickly and profitably, setting the right price is key. List too high, and you may find yourself in a no-offer situation. Too low, and you’ll get less than your property is worth. But who decides what the “right” price is? An experienced agent will look closely at how much homes like yours have recently sold for in your neighbourhood. Factoring in current market conditions, they’ll help you settle on a price that’s attractive to buyers—and beneficial to you!

2) Marketing ineffectively

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is marketing their homes halfheartedly. If you want buyers to take notice of your property—and call to set up a viewing—you need to give them a reason to do so. Your marketing materials (especially your listing) should be clear and informative. Since images tend to catch people’s attention first, you should use eye-catching photos taken by a pro. Remember to ask every agent you’re thinking of working with if you can see some of the materials they’ve created in the past.

3) Forgoing staging

You’d probably never dream of putting your home on the market without doing a deep clean first. But what about staging? Unfortunately, some sellers assume it isn’t worth the time. The truth is, the right paint, furnishings, and decor can make all the difference. A home that’s stylish and inviting is far more likely to attract buyer interest than one that isn’t—and there’s a good chance it will sell quicker and for more money, too. Working with an agent who has staging expertise can help ensure that your home shines in the eyes of buyers.

4) Letting your ego enter the process

Some sellers can become defensive during negotiations. It’s only natural. Debating the value of your property—the place you’ve cared for and called your home—is bound to get emotional. That said, arguing with a buyer will rarely get you anywhere. That’s why it’s best to let your agent take the lead. They know the local market, the strategies that sellers’ agent use, and how buyers think. Armed with that information, they’ll do everything in their power to get you the best price possible—and they’ll never make a move without consulting you.

5) Not working with an agent

Some sellers wonder whether they should bother working with an agent. The truth is, selling a home isn’t nearly as simple as people think. Going it alone could mean getting far less money than you deserve—or failing to generate enough buyer interest to make a sale. A true professional will know the in’s and out’s of the process. From setting the ideal price to staging for maximum appeal to negotiating to get you a great deal, they’ll put that knowledge to work for you!

When it comes to selling a home, some mistakes can be costly. That’s why it pays to be prepared. Luckily, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent will help you avoid the missteps—and pave the way for a successful sale. Preparing to sell your home?

Reach out today to learn how we can help you prepare your property for the market—and get the best return possible!