Top 12 Ways Homeowners Sabotage the Sale of their Home
1. Overpricing your home.
Don’t let your home sit on the market for months and become a stale listing. Most buyers are represented by a realtor who will protect them from bidding on a home that is not likely to appraise because of an inflated price. Even if you did find a buyer that is willing to over-pay, the pre-approved for mortgage company will send an appraiser out and squash the deal. Unless the buyer is paying cash they will not be able to obtain a mortgage at the inflated price. It is important to look closely at recently sold properties with your realtor (NOT from Zillow!) and put your home on the market at fair market value. Don’t make these common mistakes when pricing your home to sell!
2. Selling your home without the help of a professional realtor.
Even if inventory is low and it may be a sellers’ market, it doesn’t mean you will save money by going it alone. Statistics show you can lose money and time without even realizing it. Before going it alone get educated in the pro’s and con’s of selling your own home.
3. Refusing to put any money or elbow grease into make necessary repairs prior to the sale.
The worst thing you can do is give the impression that your home was not well maintained. Buyers will wonder what else is wrong with the property that they can’t see. There is a huge difference between home maintenance and improvements that will improve the equity of your home. Even if a buyer will overlook some of the repairs, they will beat you up at inspection time. Put your best foot forward and get your home ready for the market. It will pay off in a higher sales price and faster sale.
4. Not hiring a professional photographer.
It is extremely important to stage your home and use outstanding photos of your home. It still amazes me how many dark or blurry photos with bad angles are out there on the internet. Today’s buyers shop on the internet and this is how they eliminate properties. If you don’t get a buyer to enter your home you are not selling it! Be sure you de-clutter and stage your home before the photographer arrives!
5. Being present at the time of showings.
Being home at the time of showing makes life uncomfortable for the buyers. Resist the urge to give a home tour and show off all the special features you think increase the value of your home. Let the realtor do their job and let the buyers talk openly about any objections they may have. If they can work through the objections they are closer to making an offer. Buyers need to visualize themselves living there. Don’t stake claim to the property by being home.
6. Not disclosing problems to the buyers.
Trust is huge! If you have issues with your property you must disclose the problems. Don’t set yourself up for liability. Make all the necessary home repairs prior to putting you home on the market and get your home ready for a smooth sale!
7. Neglecting the landscaping.
There is nothing like a garden in front of the home to help with curb appeal but don’t neglect the back yard! I have seen so many properties where junk is stockpiled behind porches and garages. It is an eyesore and will hurt the sale. Trim dead branches, put down some fresh mulch, install some annuals. Having an inviting backyard with a patio and garden to relax on is very important. Learn how to prepare you entire yard to prepare your home to sell!. Outdoor living spaces to entertain in warm months can really add to the sale price.
8. Thinking all your clutter and personal belongings can be overlooked.
Get your belongings in boxes and out of the home before it goes on the market. Buyers need to visualize themselves living in the home. I have seen so many buyers looking at books, pictures and belongings instead of the home!
9. Don’t take the negotiation process personally.
You want to sell, they want to buy. It is a simple business transaction. Don’t get caught up in a “who is winning” game. I have seen too many closings almost fall apart over $200 at the closing table with the buyers and sellers sitting there with the entire contents of their home in trucks. Trust me, you will forget that $200 before you even drive up to your new home. Be reasonable and leave the emotion out of it.
10. Making showings difficult.
Having your home always clean and ready for showings can be difficult with our busy schedules. It is very important that you accommodate showings and make it as easy as possible to preview. Insisting on a 24 hour notice or that the listing agent be present only hurts the sale. You are missing out on an opportunity. Most buyers see more than one home when they are out on tour with their realtor. If you don’t allow a showing they are not likely to reschedule another time to see your home, especially if they are out of town buyers. If potential buyers are in front of your home with their agent, calling the number on the sign, grab you dog and keys and go! It will pay off!
11. Ignoring noisy or messy neighbors.
We have all seen them -the party neighbor or the ones who work on 10 cars at a time on their front lawn and let their dog bark 24×7. This can be a huge problem to potential buyers. Try to remain on good terms with your neighbor.
12. Leaving pets home at time of showings.
Always remove your pets when there is a showing. Many people are afraid of dogs and allergic to cats. Entering a home where a dog is barking can be dangerous not to mention how stressful it is for pets as well. No matter how friendly the homeowner says they are, I am not willing to put my clients at risk.
Additional information:
7 Ways Nightmare Neighbors Sabotage Your Home Sale via Xavier De Buck
Give Your Home a Pedigree – Document your Homes Maintenance and Improvements via Kevin Vitali
8 Ways to Enhance Your Homes Curb Appeal via Michelle Gibson
Your Home Might be less that an Asset Than Your Led to Believe via Conor MacEvilly
10 Tough Pills To Swallow When Selling Your Home from Lynn Pineda
3 thoughts on “Top 12 Ways Homeowners Sabotage the Sale of their Home”
It always kills me how people can’t see that putting in the time, money, and effort for a repair will pay off huge in the long run. I always recommend doing at least a hardwood floor refinishing. It’s cheaper and floors are so crucial for potential buyers to see.
What amazes me is when someone refuses to settle a dispute over there noisy as hell laminate flooring in an upper flat. The dispute isn’t going to go away and all that will happen is the buyer inherits it. Just fix floor and put some carpet down it’s not difficult and will make the sale easier than if there is an ongoing dispute
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