Common mistakes seller's make to avoid

Selling a home in today's market can be a challenge we wanted to give you some helpful tips and pointers to get your home sold quickly.

1. Make sure your home is priced right. The market is not the same as it was two years ago; prices have come down due to the number of available homes. Do not be fooled into believing you can get what you would have two years ago- you must look at what has sold in the last 6 months and compare your home. Looking at what others are asking is good to compare your home to but if everyone is priced too high nothing will sell, this is why you must look at what has sold to see what people are willing to pay.

2. Have everything clean. We can not stress this enough, no one wants a dirty home and if they have to clean it up it will take longer top sell and you will be offered a lower price. Putting a little extra money or time into presenting a clean home will net you more dollars.

3. Be careful about changing agents or agents that tell you they can get you more for your home. A buyer's market is notorious for seller's changing agents frequently, look at what your agent or program is doing for you and make sure it is happening, if it is, ask the other agent what they will do for you and if it is the same do not change agents. Agents know you will eventually lower your price and they will make the commission, plus the more signs they have around town the more buyer calls they get. In a buyer's market who will you make money from faster? A buyer many times that is all they want. Compare apples to apples and look at other factors about your home that may be an issue. If you must lower your price use a reduced fee Realtor so you keep as much money as you can in your pocket- Compare reduced fee Realtors apples to apples.

4. Curb appeal. Make your home look inviting, did you know homes with great landscaping actually sell for more and quicker. Be careful- your idea of great landscaping may not be everyone else’s, look at local magazines and see what is in. Florida is a great state for next to free plants and a little labor may result in more money in your pocket.

5. Be realistic about your homes condition. We all get accustomed to living in our homes and at times do not realize what a mess they are in or we have been living in. Everyone is different and accepts different environments. The vast majority of home buyer's want everything repaired and no problems when they move in. Make sure you make a realistic list of what needs to be done and how much it will cost to repair, if you are not able to we will be happy to make a list for you to help. Either offer an allowance or get the work done prior to listing your home for sale. Remember any work not done you can expect the buyer to want an inconvenience fee for having to do it after closing.

6. Be available. If you want to show your home by appointment only- be available or you are guaranteed not to sell your home. Agents and buyers alike have far too many homes to choose from now and may not call again to see your home. (One of the number one reasons 80% of all homes for sale by owner end up listing with a Realtor in 30-90 days). We can show you ways to work around this and can help.

7. De- personalize and Staging. Your home should look like a model home, make someone want to move in and live there because it is clean and un-cluttered, they are looking to move into their new home not your old one. Remember- most new home communities sell the model floor plan over all others because of the model looking so nice, people want something that looks nice even if when they move in it never looks the same. Remove all clutter, personal photos and hobbies unless it enhances the home. Some one with a love for orchids can be nice if there are a few around the home but 10 in every room is too much. If you like fishing, golf, NASCAR or Betty Boop- get rid of it. Make sure you do not have too many throw rugs, to many pictures, etc. We will be happy to give you suggestions for FREE when you list with one of our plans- trial plan does not apply.

8. Be safe. Today's world has many different people some nice and some not so nice. Make sure to place all valuables in a safe place away from anyone entering your home having access. If you hold an open house make sure you have someone there with you, Have an escape route if someone is in your home, do not allow anyone to corner you in a room- stay near the doorways, always have a cell phone in your hand and have someone call you at certain pre-designated times this way if you do not answer the person calling you can notify the police and check on you. Hide all your keys too, never leave a key out for someone to take or make a copy. We have held many an open house and never had a problem, a little safety never hurt anyone. 

9. If you do not know how or have a question-ask. If you do not know how to do something ask. Whether it is writing a contract, negotiating, making sure a buyer is qualified. If you have never done it and are not comfortable with you states laws, ask. A small mistake could cost you thousands in the long run. If your car has an issue or you do not feel well you do not do it yourself- ask a professional who deals with real estate, title, mortgages, etc. We are here to help you.

10. When someone is looking at your home get out. I have actually seen people talk some one right out of buying their home, plus most buyers feel uncomfortable being watched. They are in your home and generally feel like they are intruding. Make them feel comfortable; the longer they stay the better buying signs for you.  We all have opinions let them form their own and only ask if they have any questions of you. Do not tell them how to live in your home or what to do, they may enjoy something entirely different than you, we are all different and that is what makes the world go round.

These are just a few- we do update and add to this list so be sure to check back frequently or attend one of our local seminars. See Seminars on our home page for more information.

Remember if we can be of help- call us 239-214-2333

www.HomesByOwner.com/Fort_Myers