Avoid These Huge House Seller Mistakes

by Darline Bazile on 2010/02/18

You wish to get the best price for your house, plus sell it in the least amount of time. In a buyers' market like the one rising now, homes will be more difficult to sell. Therefore, it's crucial that you just make the right moves in the very beginning of your homeselling process to remain competitive. Here are a few common traps that money house owners fall and how to avoid them.

* Over-pricing - It's easy to believe your house is worth a lot more than the current market may support, especially after the long run-up in home prices. Given that house costs have cooled down in markets around the country, house sellers should be willing to negotiate on price and terms, and stay flexible to other stipulations benefiting the buyer. Sellers should also keep their feelings under control during the process. After all, your house is special to you and the family, and you're pleased with the improvements you've made over the years. However, how does your house really stand up to the others? And are those upgrades important to a potential buyer? To find out a fair listing price, get sales statistics on homes in the neighborhood including listing prices and actual sales prices, how long it took for the homes to sell, and government valuation comparisons. You'll also need a market appraisal on your property. Visit properties for sale in your area and examine what you see in terms of sales appeal.

* Negligent Housekeeping - Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in the home. Have a good, objective look at the condition of your house. Clean, well-kept homes with an up-to-date look usually stand out, along with a little decorating appeal can go a long way. It's not necessary to buy new furniture to create charm, but you can put toys and clutter away, freshen up paint and carpet, make the most of window coverings, and add a few key accessories in order to send out welcoming signals.

* Failing to Fix-It - Buyers, unless they are looking for a fixer-upper, would would rather move into a house that's in perfect or near-perfect condition. If they have to fix the roof, a broken tile floor, the garage door, worn carpet or just about anything, this could give them pause about buying. At the very least, it may reduce the value of the house in the prospective buyer's mind.

* Not Identifying Exclusions - This can be a cause of contention just at a critical point in the sale. Make sure to specify any special sales factors or exclusions from the fixtures and furnishings list. Generally, anything permanently fixed to the house is an asset that stays with the home after the sale. Therefore you intend to take your grandmother's antique chandelier that's hanging in the dining room, clearly specify the chandelier isn't included in the sale price.

* Not Understanding the Agent Agreement - Your sales endeavor will certainly go easiest when all parties have a clear understanding of exactly what is expected. Understand the types of agency agreements when you sign with a real estate professional or company. Make sure to check on fees, commission percentages, marketing plans and timeframes. Just remember, get everything in writing.

Looking to find the best tips for house sellers? Then visit http://darline.bazile.pcragent.com to find the perfect home. Not in the Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia areas? Not a problem...as a real estate agent for over 10 years, I can refer many top notch realtors & agents at no cost


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