When selling your property you want to get the highest price. But resist the temptation to overprice it. If an agent tells you it’s worth x amount but you know deep down that is too much, go with your gut feeling; probably that agent isn’t right for you.
Here are 10 what not to do’s so that you don’t make these common mistakes when pricing your home to sell!
- Overprice
Don’t let your home sit on the market for months and months; buyers will think there is something wrong with your property. Today’s buyers are savvy and before they view your home they would have done their homework and looked closely at recently sold properties in your road and area. Even if you did find a buyer that is willing to over pay, the mortgage lender will send a surveyor and he will most likely down value it. Unless the buyer is paying cash they will not be able to obtain a mortgage at an inflated price. Hence why it is important to market your home at a fair market value.
- Make showings difficult.
Keeping your home always tidy and ready for viewings isn’t always easy since most of us live busy lifestyles. However it is very important that you accommodate viewings. Its not always possible to give 24 hours notice so make sure you are always ready for a viewing otherwise you can miss out on an opportunity. Most buyers will book to view more than one home so if you don’t allow a viewing they are not likely to reschedule another time to view your home, especially if they are out of town buyers.
- Avoid staging your property
I cannot stress how important it is to stage your home and use good photos so that it is shown at its maximum potential, therefore creating a positive first impression. It is unbelievable how many dark photos with dirty dishes or clothes all over the radiators appear online. Today’s buyers shop online and so do their pre-choice by eliminating the uncared for properties. If a buyer doesn’t enter your home you can’t sell it. So de-clutter and stage your home before it is photographed.
- Be present at viewings
Why a vendor being home at the time of a viewing is a bad idea is because makes it uncomfortable for buyers to be honest. Instead of giving a tour and showing off all the features you think increase the value of your home tell the agent so that he or she can point them out to the viewers. This way the buyers’ talk openly about any objections they may have and your agent will help them work through the objections so they will make an offer. You want buyers to visualise themselves living there and they won’t be able to if you are there.
- Not maximise every inch of your home
Have no doubt when you’re selling your house, potential buyers want to see everything. That means no area of your home is safe from the gaze of a serious house hunter. This is why it’s crucial to maximise every inch of your home by getting your belongings in boxes and out of the home before it goes on the market. You don’t want buyers looking at books, pictures and belongings instead of the home and believe me they will.
- Ignore any DIY repairs prior to the sale
If the buyers see the property is not well maintained they will wonder what else is wrong that they can’t see. The difference between home maintenance and improvements is that the buyer can live at the property if it has been maintained and they will do the improvements at a later stage which means they will not have to spend money straight away. Even if a buyer will overlook some of the repairs, they will want to re-negotiate at point of survey. Put your best foot forward and get your home ready for the market.
- Overlook that bright red wall
You might love that red or green accent wall, but if it’s your potential buyer’s least favourite colour, that could be a turnoff. So a quick lick of paint will make your home seem lighter and bigger. And you’re pretty safe with a neutral colour because allows the buyers to envision what the walls would look like with the colour of their choice.
- Pay little attention to the landscaping
It’s amazing how a front garden helps with curb appeal but you mustn’t forget the back garden. A well-manicured lawn signals to prospective buyers the house is maintained well also inside. So start by cutting the grass, trimming shrubs, pruning hedges, plant some instant colour and some annuals. There is no worse eyesore than when rubbish is stockpiled behind sheds and garages. Create an outdoor sociable ‘hot spot’ – perfect for entertaining friends and family so that the buyers can’t resist it and it will add to the sale price.
- Hide issues from the buyers
By law you must disclose if you have issues with your neighbour, area or the property such as subsidence or Japanese Knotweed otherwise you will be liable. In 2018 fall-throughs at nearly 40% were at a 10-year high and costly to all parties. So make sure there will be no surprises and you can be sure of a smooth sale. Remain on good terms with your neighbour especially as you come to sell.
- Don’t remove pets at time of viewings
Try to remove your pets when there is a viewing. Not every buyer will feel the same as you do about your beloved pet and many are afraid of dogs and/or allergic to cats. Entering a home where a dog is barking can be dangerous not to mention how nervous viewers will be whilst walking around your home. Nothing will turn people off like a bad smell, if you think your pets are odourless, think again.
So before you put your home on the market, check this 10 what not to do’s in preparation. Some of these tips you already know, while others might come as a surprise. But they’re bound to pay off once you start hearing buyers oohing and ahhing over your home.
Happy selling!
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