Through the years, we’ve worked with countless sellers. The sale of your home relies on a number of factors, and we understand it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. Don’t let these traps sabotage the sale of your home.
We’re here as a resource for this potentially stressful transaction to be a smooth sail from listing to closing.
Mistake #1 – Not Knowing The Local Market
Knowing the sold price of homes in your neighborhood gives you a good idea of how much you should list your home for. Overpricing can leave your home on the market for longer than anticipated, putting your future on hold, and possibly sabotaging the sale. We keep track of the neighborhood statistics for you, so you’ll always be up to date.
Mistake #2 – Overlooking Easy Fixes Before An Appraisal
Pass your home inspection with flying colors! Low-cost updates throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, family room, and overall curb appeal can boost your appraisal. Be sure to keep a record of all home renovations!
Mistake #3 – Keeping The Clutter
First impressions are long lasting. You may be blind to your home’s disorganization, but it will be the first thing a buyer will notice. When a buyer is serious about a home, they’ll want to see every inch of it. Don’t forget to clear out closets, drawers, and all those small places where clutter can build up.
Mistake #4 – Poor Photography
When most home buyers begin their search online, photos are your home’s first impression. Instead of using an iPhone, we hire a professional photographer to show your home on its “best” day. Professionally staging your home paints a picture for potential buyers, which is a service we’re happy to offer.
Mistake #5 – Weak Marketing Strategy
Most sellers don’t work with realtors who have a strong online presence. When you sell with us, we make sure your home gains maximum exposure to potential buyers. Our website and email blasts, coupled with our use of targeted Facebook marketing, allow our properties to reach thousands.
Mistake #6 – Selling Your Home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) & Not Using An Agent
Some think selling a home on their own is easy, but it’s one of the best ways to sabotage the sale of your property. And at the end of the day, you’ll most likely need the help of an expert. Not only will we provide invaluable market insight, but we’ll help you through all the paperwork and negotiate for you. Homes also tend to sell for more when working with a realtor. (According to NAR, FSBOs accounted for 7% of home sales in 2017. The typical FSBO home sold for $200,000 compared to $265,500 for agent-assisted home sales.)
#7 – Life Happens
Some buyers might get cold feet or have a change of heart. This is one area which sellers have minimal control over, and most of the responsibility is on the buyer. Some need to make a big purchase right before closing, which can cause their loan to fall through. Some things are out of your control… but we’re here to help keep you from sabotaging the sale and insure everything in our control goes smoothly.
The above real estate information, 7 WAYS TO SABOTAGE THE SALE OF YOUR HOME, was provided by Vicki Moore, a realtor specializing in home sales from Pacifica to Pescadero, including greater San Mateo County.
Vicki can be reached via email at vicki@callvicki.com or by phone at 650-888-9268. Vicki has helped people move in and out of many San Mateo County homes for the last 25+ years.
Are you thinking of making a move? I have a passion for real estate and love to talk about it! I service real estate sales in most San Mateo County cities and towns.