Summer is one of the most popular times to sell a home and it’s becoming more and more of a seller’s market. Still, even if it seems like everything is falling into place nicely, you can find yourself in a position where your home just isn’t selling.
There are a variety of reasons your home may not be moving as quickly as you anticipated. It could be your interior paint colors, an outdated exterior, or even the way you have your furniture arranged in your home. Believe it or not, there are a lot of factors that go into selling a home quickly and efficiently. Despite the market, sellers need to be conscious of the things that are in their control in order to get the best possible sale.
Below are five common mistakes that sellers make and how to avoid them when it comes time to sell your house.
1. Not Hiring a Professional
As much as we’d all love to be experts at everything, we’re not. When you need a new roof, you likely want to hire a professional because it’s a big project that should not be done by an amateur. Real estate sales are no different. A professional realtor knows the ins and outs of the home buying and selling process. In fact, a good realtor even knows what day of the week is best to put your house “live” on the market.
It can be tempting to try and sell your home yourself and avoid the realtor fees, but there’s a reason professionals charge you—it’s because they know what they’re doing and will get the job done right.
2. Forgetting Curb Appeal
When potential home buyers are driving through a neighborhood, they’re looking for a home that is warm and inviting. Oftentimes, the first time a buyer sees a house is on a drive-by so the curb appeal will be a huge factor in driving them to learn more about the house. When preparing your home for the market, make sure your grass is mowed, all weeds have been removed, your siding has been power washed, your windows are clean, and you have a few flowers planted outside to give your home a pop of color and life.
3. Skipping on a Stager
Home décor and furniture arrangement is very personal. You likely put a lot of thought into the perfect positioning of your couch to watch TV or the best family picture to hang over the mantle. While those personal touches make a house feel like a home, they also remind buyers that this is someone else’s home—so they have a harder time picturing their own belongings in the house.
According to House Method, you can avoid this potential deal breaker by hiring a stager to come in and help you determine any changes that will make your house more marketable. The stager will help you de-personalize the décor and arrange your furniture in a way that maximizes the space (even if it’s not entirely functional). This will allow buyers to see the house as a blank canvas rather than make them feel like they are intruding on someone’s family.
4. Selling at the Wrong Time
Home prices will vary depending on a number of factors, but every market has a peak selling time. Putting your house on the market in the dead of winter in a cold climate when no one wants to leave their home will make it harder to sell. Likewise, asking buyers to come out in the dead of a hot/humid summer in the South is also risky. Work closely with your realtor to determine if now is the best time for you to sell your home or if you’d benefit from waiting a few months. You may find that waiting a little pays off big in the long run.
5. Inappropriately Pricing Your Home
It’s important to look at comparable homes in your area before you decide on a listing price for your house. Pricing your home too low may make buyers think that there’s something seriously wrong with the house (not to mention, you’re cheating yourself out of profit!) and pricing too high will inevitably lead to your home sitting on the market for a long time because buyers know they can get a similar home in the same area for significantly less. Be sure to consult with your realtor and get an appraisal so you have a good understanding of your home’s actual value.
Real estate can be a tricky industry, but thankfully there is serious market research that will help you get the most return on your investment. Don’t be afraid of hiring professionals and putting a little extra money in upfront because it’s likely that money will be paid back (and then some) in the final sale.
