Common mistakes sellers make.....

• Using a real estate agent instead of a Realtor
   

When looking for help buying or selling property, it is important to note that the terms "real estate agent" and "Realtor" are not the same. Realtors provide an extra level of service, and they must be a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR is a non-profit trade organization that promotes real estate information, education and professional standards. The National Association of Realtors has earned a strong reputation for championing private property rights and working to make home ownership affordable and accessible. NAR members adhere to a strict code of ethics founded on the principle of providing fair and honest service to consumers. Realtor business practices are monitored at local board levels. Arbitration and disciplinary systems are in place to address complaints from the public or board members. This local oversight keeps Realtors directly accountable to the individual consumers they serve and therefore the consumer is more likely to find better service and accountability by using a Realtor.
 

• Complacent marketing

When selling your home there are no guarantees that the perfect buyer will simply walk through your front door. In many cases, your home will have to be brought to the buyer. Effective marketing will ensure that your property receives maximum exposure to attract a ready, willing and able buyer in the shortest period of time. Ask your Realtor to list all of the ways he/she intends to market your home and on what time-line. Also, be sure to ask about the home being advertised on the Internet.
 

• Take for granted "curb appeal"
   

When preparing a home for sale, remember the first impression is most important. A buyer's first impression can make or break whether they even want to go inside for a look. Estimates show that more than half of all properties are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars. With that in mind, be sure to stand outside of your home and take a realistic "fresh look" and ask yourself what can be done to make the "curb appeal" improve. Also ask your Realtor's opinion as to how to improve the "curb appeal. It could make a huge difference in your final sales price.
 

• Failure to be up-front about potential issues
   

Be upfront and disclose to your Realtor any problems with the property. Problems are going to be discovered anyway. Failure to disclose issues may result in lost contracts at inspection and multiple weeks of lost market opportunity.  Moreover, the seller must disclosure to the buyer any knowledge of existing property problems. In many cases, these issues have been or can be factored into the home's listing price.
 

• Failure to put themselves in the buyer's shoes
   

Although people can be different in personality, they tend to be equal when it comes to expectations at someone else's expense. A prospective buyer would like to see a perfect home, inside and out, when it comes to your home. The following items will help improve the likelihood of your home sale in an expedient way.

On the outside:

• Sweep front walkway.

• Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.

• Park extra cars away from the property.

• Trim back the shrubs.

• Apply fresh, clean paint throughout.

• Clean windows and window coverings throughout.

• Keep plumbing and all appliances in working order.

• Maintain all sealant (window, tub, shower, sink, etc.) in good condition.

• Make sure roof and gutters are clean and in good condition.

• Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers.

• Keep pet areas clean.
   

On the inside:

• Kitchen and bathrooms should shine.

• Carpets should be clean.

• Place fresh flowers in the main rooms.

• Put dishes away, unless setting a formal display for decoration.

• Make all beds and put all clothes away.

• Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.

• Straighten closets.

• Put toys away.

• Turn off television.

• Play soft music on the radio/stereo.

• Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.

• Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.

• Enhance the spaciousness of each room.
   

• Think they need to be in the home to explain things to a prospective buyer
   

Allow your Realtor to do their job without you there. Potential buyers usually feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owners present. If people unaccompanied by an agent request to see your property, you should refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.
 

• Pricing the home incorrectly
   

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is establishing the correct selling price. It's one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate agent can more than pay for itself. Listing the home too high can be as bad as too low. If the listing price is too high, you'll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. This is the flaw in thinking that you'll always have the opportunity to accept a lower offer. Chances are the offers won't even come in, because the buyers who would be most interested in your home have avoided in because of the price and aren't even taking the time to look. By the time the price is corrected, you've already lost exposure to a large group of potential buyers. The listing price becomes even trickier to set when prices are quickly rising or falling. It's critical to be aware of where and how fast the market is moving - both when setting the price and when negotiating an offer. Again, an experienced, well-trained agent is always in touch with market trends - often even to a greater extent than appraisers, who typically focus on what a property is worth if sold as-is, right now.
 

• Using a Realtor that is convenient rather than experienced
   

When selecting a realtor, it is critical that you have full confidence their experience and knowledge. A skilled, knowledgeable agent should be able to explain to you exactly why your home needs to be priced at a certain level - compared to recent listings and sales of homes similar to yours. Experienced agents also know exactly what the current buyers are looking for in relation to particular styles and price ranges of properties. A skilled agent can recommend changes that will enhance the salability of your home, thus increasing the price - and/or speed of a sale.

Make sure you are prepared!

Prepared by:  Re/Max Home & Ranch - 303-646-9000