Did you know that over one million houses are sold in the United States every single year? As you can imagine, selling a house can be a complicated process with a lot of moving parts, so you want to do everything right.
Are you trying to sell your home but aren’t sure what you need to do? If so, you’re probably avoiding these common house-selling mistakes.
Luckily, we’ve got a guide that can help you keep from making these errors. Let’s explore everything you need to know to prepare your home for a smooth sale.
1. Neglecting Essential Repairs
Property buyers are going to look for issues and will expect certain areas to be well-maintained. Even if an issue does not seem all that serious, it could be seen as a sign of inattention to detail and be reflective of the rest of the house. Repairs should be made before the house even goes on the market to avoid any major issues down the road.
Repairs may be outside of the seller’s price range, so consider advertising the house with a few free repairs as a way to sweeten the deal and entice buyers. It is important to be honest while disclosing any faults and ensuring they are properly taken care of. Not doing so can come back to haunt you later and result in fewer potential buyers and a longer selling process.
2. Overpricing Your Home
Overpricing your home can mean fewer buyers, a longer time on the market, more stress, and eventually a lower actual sale price. It’s important to research comparable properties in your area and compare the price. With a bit of effort, you can determine a range within which you should set your price.
Setting the price too high can lead to disinterest from buyers, as they move on to more realistically priced homes. It’s also important to be aware that market conditions change, making overpricing a costly mistake.
3. Not Working with a Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents are well-versed in the local market and lending options, providing you with a competitive edge when negotiating with potential buyers. If you’re looking to sell your house fast in Fort Myers, working with an experienced real estate agent will decrease the time it will take to complete a sale.
They can provide creative ideas to stage your house and advice on which repair work and home improvement are needed to attract buyers. With their insight into industry trends, you’ll be able to determine the best time to list and set the asking price. Working without an agent could take away valuable insight, resulting in a longer time on the market or a problematic transaction.
4. Not Making Your Home Stand Out
Ensure the house is clean and free from clutter, as this will make a good first impression. If the house has any minor issues, have them addressed to create a move-in-ready atmosphere. Get creative with home staging your house for selling.
Use bright colors and interesting furniture to make your home stand out to potential buyers and make it feel inviting. A house that is well-cared for and looks attractive will be more desirable and garner more attention. Taking the time to make sure your home stands out can be the difference between a smooth sale, and a difficult one.
5. Listing Your Home with Too Little Information
One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make when they list their homes is providing too little information. This is a huge mistake because it can make it difficult for buyers to understand the possibilities or features of the home.
Without an adequate listing, buyers cannot make an informed decision. When creating a listing, try to include as much information as possible about the features of the home, bedroom, and bathroom sizes, square footage, and other features. Adding pictures is also important to give an idea of what the home looks like and help buyers envision themselves in it.
6. Not Having Your House Inspected
A full comprehensive home inspection provides you with a comprehensive report about the state of your home, so prospective buyers understand what they are buying and what kinds of repairs or maintenance they may have to do after they purchase the house.
Here’s the complete list of what needs to be inspected before selling your house:
Basement
Being sure water is not entering your basement is an important factor. Inspectors can check to make sure the windows, doors, and other exterior features are properly sealed and do not allow water to come in. The foundations of the home should also be closely inspected for any gaps, holes, or damage as these can be entry points for water to enter the basement.
Attic
Attic inspection is usually done to make sure the structure is sound and there are no problems present in the area. The attic should be properly insulated and ventilated, and any wiring running through it should be checked for fraying and malfunctions. Potential buyers will want to make sure that their home is safe and free of pests or mold.
Bathrooms
As part of the inspection process, you should pay close attention to the bathrooms. Check for obvious signs of damage such as mold, water damage, rotting wood, and broken fixtures. Look for chipped or peeling paint and check for water spots on walls and ceilings. Check for signs of leaking, such as seepage around drains, pipes, and faucets.
Kitchen
Inspect the sink and countertops for chips, cracks, stains, and discoloration. Be sure to check for any evidence of water damage, especially around window seals, sinks, and dishwashers. Cleaning shelving, wiping down appliances, and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can go a long way in making the kitchen look fresh and appealing to potential buyers.
Interior Rooms
The inspector will examine the structure, finishes, and fixtures for any signs of water damage, mold, structural issues, and more. They will also check for any structural repairs and updates that could boost the value of the property and help sell it more quickly.
Electrical Systems
Things to look out for include exposed wires, frayed wires, overloaded outlets, and deteriorated insulation. It is also important to check your electrical panel and make sure that it is up to code. You should also take into account any updates or repairs necessary to meet current safety standards and code requirements.
Heating And Cooling Systems
The functionality of these systems should be checked to ensure that the home is efficient and comfortable for potential buyers. This should include inspecting all major components, such as air conditioners, furnaces, and ductwork, to ensure that they are in proper working condition.
Plumbing
A thorough plumbing inspection will check the pressure capacity and quality of the pipes in the home, as well as the water heater, plumbing fixtures, and connections. Clogs, leaks, and other related issues can be revealed by a plumbing inspection as well as identifying hidden problems like rust. Additional inspections, such as a sewer scope, should be considered to check sewer lines and clear any blockages.
Get the Best Price by Avoiding These House Selling Mistakes
Overall, avoiding these six big mistakes when selling your house can help get you the best price and a smooth sale. Putting effort into improving curb appeal, pricing correctly, prepping the interior and exterior, making repairs, and choosing the best agent can go a long way.
So take the time to do your research and trust the professionals! Start your journey to selling your house today.