Selling a home isn't an easy task, and when your home has been on the market for an extended period of time, you may start to think it will never sell. There are many reasons why your home may not be getting the attention you expected, and there are things that you can do to get the offer you have been waiting for.

Mistake No. 1 - Priced Too High

It's not uncommon for people to price their homes too high. You may have an emotional attachment to the place that you have called home, so it may be worth more to you than it is to someone else. This is an easy fix, though. Checking the comparable homes (comps) in the immediate area will give you an idea of what your property is worth. It is important, however, to factor any upgrades or additional features that are figured into pricing as well.

Mistake No. 2 - Outdated or Run Down

If you've lived in a home for a while and haven't updated things, this may affect your ability to sell. Bathrooms and kitchens are the rooms in the house that see the biggest return on your investment. If yours are outdated, you may consider updating the cabinetry or counter tops to make them more appealing. Additionally, a fresh coat of paint will do wonders to the outside and the inside, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

Mistake No. 3 - Too much “You”

One of the benefits of home ownership is the ability to personalize it and make it your own. However, those personal touches may hurt you when you are trying to sell your home. Removing most family pictures is a good way to start. While you may love bold colors, they can distract a potential buyer who has a difficult time imagining what it would look like painted white. Neutralizing the decor allows people to see the features of the home rather than your own personal touches.

Mistake No. 4 - Bad First Impressions

You really never get a second chance to make a first impression of your home, and this starts with curb appeal. A little work goes a long way with curb appeal. Freshening up the landscaping with new rock or adding color with flowers is an easy, low-cost fix. Inside, the home should be tidy and smell good. Additionally, photos should be clear and accurate.

Mistake No. 5 - Trying to Sell Alone

Many people think that selling a home is easy and that homes sell themselves. A lot of work goes into advertising, showing, and writing up contracts when you sell your home. Some things are best left to the professionals, especially major financial decisions. A legal specialist, like those at Carter West, can help you understand your options and assist you in moving forward with your real estate transaction.

If you are having a difficult time selling your home, it doesn't hurt to look at it objectively and try to analyze what you may be doing to sabotage the sale. Sometimes a few little touches can make all the difference.