The 11 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make When Trying To Sell Their Home

Are you thinking about selling your home? If so, you need to be aware of sellers' common mistakes. These mistakes can cost you time, money, and the sale of your home. Here are the 11 biggest mistakes sellers make when trying to sell their home:

1. Selling during the wrong time of year

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make when selling their home is selling during the wrong time of year. Generally speaking, the best time to sell a home is in the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and attractive to prospective buyers. During the winter months, capturing buyers' interest and selling your home may be challenging. Even if you can sell, the price may not be as good as in warmer months.

To avoid this mistake, you work with a real estate consultant who knows your local market. They can suggest the best time to list your home for sale. While summer is generally the best time to list, some areas may have unique factors that point to a particular season or time of year being better. You should also consider any renovations or repairs needed since they could impact when it is best to list. Knowing when and how to list your home will give you the best chance of a successful sale.

2. Choosing the wrong real estate agent

When looking to sell your home, choosing the wrong real estate agent could spell disaster. You want to find an agent with your best interests at heart who can help you get the best price for your home. Doing research beforehand can help you make a good decision. Look up their credentials and track record to see their successes and read reviews from past clients.

Consider the agent's experience and local presence. Working with an agent who understands the local market and the specific nuances of housing in your area is essential. It will ensure they have the best knowledge and advice to offer to help make your sale go smoothly.

Additionally, you should ensure your agent has the time and resources to devote to your sale. You don't want to select an agent who is overbooked or does not have the resources needed to market and promote your listing properly. This could result in your sale taking longer than expected or, worse yet – not selling at all.

3. Underestimating the cost of selling your home

When selling your home, it is vital to consider the costs associated with the sale. Even if you do not go through a traditional real estate agent, there may be additional costs you didn’t anticipate.

For instance, you may be required to replace or update home features to meet current standards, such as adding insulation or getting a new roof. Depending on the market, you may also need to pay some of the buyer’s closing costs. Other expenses, such as decluttering, deep cleaning, and staging, can amount to extra cash.

All these costs can add up quickly, so make sure you have a budget in place and are researching before you put your home on the market. Avoid unwelcome surprises and ensure that selling your home runs smoothly.

4. Not budgeting for the move

When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to forget all the costs associated with moving. Unfortunately, moving can be expensive; the cost can quickly add up, from packing supplies to hiring movers to renting a truck.

Plus, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to pay for a new place to live. Your rental history will decide if you qualify for a new rental, and if you are a first-time buyer, you’ll need to come up with a down payment. Planning your budget around these expenses is essential so you don’t end up in a difficult position financially.

You should also create a budget for the actual transition of your items into the new location. Consider this when planning for the many costs associated with selling and moving. For example, you may need to consider extra money for packing supplies, hiring movers, renting a storage unit, and other expenses explicitly related to moving. Staying on top of your financial situation at this time is important to making a successful transition.

5. Pricing your home incorrectly

When you’re ready to list your home for sale, ensuring your asking price aligns with your local market is crucial so that most buyers are interested in your property.

Pricing your house too high or too low can cost you time and money. If you price your home too high, you might have difficulty finding potential buyers and have to reduce the price later. This could cause your home to stay on the market too long, costing you more time and money. On the other hand, if you price it too low, you may be leaving money on the table.

Hire an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the local market and will be able to give you a listing price range.

6. Not prepping your house - clean carpets, deep clean, upgrades, and repairs.

When preparing your home for sale, preparation is key to ensuring that a buyer will want to purchase your home.

Be sure to remove all clutter, which will help maximize the living space and draw attention to the home's most positive features.

Deep-cleaning carpets will help create a positive impression when people first tour your home. Consider investing in new ones if the carpets are outdated or need repair.

Refresh paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to upgrade a home's appearance. Take a look at the fixtures and fittings in the home. Are they updated? Upgrading outdated plumbing fixtures or kitchen/bathroom appliances can give your home a fresh, modern look and make potential buyers feel like they are getting more bang for their buck.

Finally, take the time to have any repairs or deficiencies fixed. Before listing your home, repair or replace items such as broken windows, a damaged roof, or a faulty water heater. Failing to prepare your home for sale can cost you in the long run and make it harder to find a buyer.

7. Not having professional photographs taken

Homebuyers generally begin their home search online, which means photographs offer the first impression of your home.

When a buyer is browsing listings, they often click through several homes. If the listing only has cellphone pictures, they likely won't get the best idea of the home or the finishes and features. Professional photographers are trained and experienced in making your home look its best and using post-production tools to hide any blemishes the buyer may otherwise miss.

It's also important to consider both interior and exterior photos. A good photographer will capture the spirit of the home. During the shoot, be sure to point out any upgrades, renovations, and other special features of the home.

In addition to still photographs, many photographers offer videos. Videos give buyers a chance to explore the home in more detail.

Investing in professional photos and even a video tour will ensure that your home stands out among buyers and can help attract the right buyer and lead to a successful sale.

8. Not pre-packing and decluttering

Packing and decluttering helps buyers envision how they may make the home their own.

Start by putting away personal items such as family photos, religious items, and other decorations. Next, ensure all surfaces and floors are free from any things that could get in the way of taking pictures.

Be sure the closets and cabinets are cleared of excess items and dust, and shine all the surfaces so they look their best. A good rule of thumb is to remove half of all items in closets and cabinets (this will make your storage areas and closets appear larger).

Removing bulky furniture will give the home a more open feel.

9. Neglecting lawn maintenance

It is important to keep your yard in tip-top shape. Fresh-cut grass, flowers, fresh mulch, and edging create a good first impression for potential buyers and can increase the perceived value of your home.

While you're at it, be sure to repair sidewalks, clean the front porch, and make sure all outside lights are working. Oh, and don't forget to put away garbage cans.

10. Not Getting rid of stinky smells (pets and cigarettes)

Trying to sell a home with pet or cigarette odors can be challenging. Unfortunately, not everyone is an animal lover or smoker, and the lingering smell of pets or cigarettes can get in the way of you selling your home.

Candles, oil burners, and potpourri can be overpowering to buyers and often don't address the problem. The first step is always a deep clean. However, even the most thorough clean won't touch some odors, and it may be necessary to paint and replace carpets completely.

If you have pets or are a smoker, it's important to ask your real estate professional for their opinion. It is important to be proactive and know this may be an issue you'll need to address.

11. Assuming you won’t need to make any repairs

It is important not to assume that everything in the home is working correctly and that you won't need to make any repairs.It is better to be proactive and ensure that all major components of the home, such as the roof, electrical systems, and plumbing are in good condition or have them repaired or replaced in advance.

It is also important to look out for smaller items that could be seen as a red flag to potential buyers, such as a poorly functioning HVAC, old water spots on the ceiling, broken windows, or doorknobs. Fixing any minor issues will show your buyers that your home is loved and well cared for.

A home inspection can be valuable in ensuring everything is in working order. An inspector can easily identify any problems, whether they are major or minor, which will show buyers that the seller has taken the time to get the property in good condition before putting it on the market.

Being proactive and taking care of repairs and inspections can help alleviate buyers' worries that something is wrong with the home, which can go a long way in helping to make the sale.

Save headaches, time, and money

A professional real estate agent can walk you through all of these hazards, saving you headaches, time, and lots of money.