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7 Common mistakes that cost you money when selling your home

 

A listing price that is too high often results in a lower than market-value sales price. This is because you end up chasing the market downwards through price reductions rather than hitting the sweet spot early and selling fast. Price it like fresh bread! A perfect analogy for pricing a home is how fresh bread is sold at a bakery. The "fresh bread" will always sell quickly and for a higher price than "day-old bread" as day-old gives the impression of being "stale" to the market.

The biggest return on improving your home is by adding square footage, such as finishing an existing basement. This allows you to compete with larger homes that are listed at a higher price. The next biggest return on your investment is by painting. Whether it’s the inside or outside of your house, a fresh coat of paint with the right colours will make a dramatic difference in its appearance and curb appeal. I will be able to help you in deciding how to get the best return for your money.

It is very important to de-personalize your property before it goes on the market by removing all personal photographs and items. This allows the buyer to visualize living there and less like they are intruding on someone else’s property. Minimize the clutter! An unorganized or cluttered house is an indicator to buyers that there may be costly hidden defects.

During a showing it is important, that the seller gives ample time for the buyer to visit and connect with the home. Also, if the seller cannot vacate for the showing, allow the buyers to explore on their own rather than follow them around pointing out every improvement. Many times a sale can be lost because of ‘overselling’.

Advertisements in newspapers and open houses are great opportunities for Realtors to market themselves, however statistically they only generate about 4% of sales. Talk to me about other, more effective, methods of marketing your property and generating a quick sale.

As an experienced realtor I know that the first offer is often times the best offer. The longer that your home is on the market the less a prospective buyer will be willing to pay for it.

Hiring the right realtor will save you money and time. I have over 30 years experience and will use the right methods and give you the correct advice in order to help you sell faster and for more money. Don’t be tempted by the highest promised listing price, and if you find that you are please re-read Common Mistake Number One!