Read This Report
Selling your home can be an exhausting experience. Last minute walk-throughs, inconvenient calls, price adjustments and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are real concerns. If you are not completely prepared you could end up losing hundreds, even thousands of dollars in profit.
The difference between a profitable smooth transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line. In the majority of cases it comes down to the subtle know how of your professional. By utilizing the knowledge of a qualified real estate professional, you’ll ensure the quick, profitable sale of your home. This report is designed to arm you with the knowledge to avoid 11 common mistakes that cost sellers serious money.
1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs
It always costs you more money to sell “as is” than to make re pairs that will increase the value of your home. Even minor improvements will often yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale. Your agent will be able to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home. Seemingly small fix up jobs can have quite an impact.
2. Not Considering Other Financing Terms.
Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction. Income level, tax benefits and current legislation are all critical factors when considerihg purchase terms. Professional real estate agents are experts at home transactions and can lead you down the path that will give you the highest yield.
3. Provide Easy Access for Showings
Accessibility is a major key to profitabil ity. Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least. However there are certain consid erations to take into account: your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale and the relationship with your agent. The more accessible your home is, the better the odds of finding a person will ing to pay your asking price. You never know if the one that couldn’t get a view ing was the one that got away. By devel oping a trusting relationship with your agent, he or she will show the home with your best interests in mind.
4. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High
One critical reason to find the right pro fessional is to make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and prof itable sale. If the property is priced too high it will sit and develop the identity of a problem property. If it is priced too low it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re evaluated by your agent every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return.
5. Relying on Traditional Methods to Sell Your Home
The agent who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers will always outperform agents who rely on traditional methods. Demand around-the-clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability. These services exist and should be offered on your home sale.
6. Maket Timing/Seasonal Selling Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your professional agent continually follows trends of your home market. They will know if the mar ket cycle is poised to net you the most money. Avoid believing that property sales are seasonal… property is always selling.
7. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes
The prospective home buyer’s first im pression is the most important. An unbe lievable amount of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains,unpleasant odors… all the seemingly little things. Imagine you were the home buyer and clean your place from top to bottom… military style.
8. Wasting Time With an Unqualified Prospect
Your agent’s responsibility is to screen a prospect’s qualifications before valuable time is lost. Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negoti ating with unqualified prospects.
9. Don’t Test the Market
Never put your property on line to sell unless you are serious. The right profes sional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision…you will blow the sale.
10. Believing You Are Powerless to Make a Difference
Be a part of the team! Take an active role with your agent to see what you can do to facilitate your sale. Networking with profes sional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of a home. It’s surprising how many homes are sold this way.
11. Believing All Realtors are the Same
With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, should you rely on anyone but a top producing professional? Many friends and family members have been estranged as a result of failing to meet expectations. Your home sale is a time consuming, effort related, difficult task. Maximize your profit by utilizing a professional.