If you are putting your home on the market, chances are you have a lot on your mind. You may be preparing to buy a new home, purging your belongings to downsize, selling a departed loved one’s home, or relocating to a new city or state. Any of these situations can cause you to rush the home selling process and make crucial mistakes. These mistakes could delay your ability to sell and hinder your chances of getting the best price.
While you may be emotionally letting go of your old home, you still want to take advantage of every opportunity to allow your investment to work for you. This means giving careful thought to the steps you take before and after you put the For Sale sign in your yard.
Are you sure you want to move?
Many homeowners put their houses on the market to see if anyone will bite, and they are shocked when a buyer shows interest. This leaves them unprepared to take the nest step, unwilling to negotiate or unsure of where to go at the end of the process. If selling your home is a looming possibility, you would be smart to take some time to think through your goals and obtain some solid advice about what to expect.
Don’t worry about the fact that spring is already over. While spring may be the optimal time to list a house, a homeowner who is well prepared still has a good chance of getting a fair offer. You can be such a homeowner if you are careful to avoid the following mistakes:
- Pricing your home higher than its market value and the value of comparable homes
- Neglecting to spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint and a deep cleaning, which can leave a house looking uncared for
- Leaving clutter in rooms and closets, which can make a home look cramped
- Neglecting simple repairs and appliance replacement
- Skipping the staging of your home to showcase its finest qualities
- Not taking time to seek professional advice about the best ways to prepare your home for maximum appeal
Finally, as difficult as it may be, it is time to emotionally detach from your home even if it is a place where you built a lifetime of memories. You can take your memories with you, but allowing your feelings to interfere with the business transaction could jeopardize your chances of making a sale and moving forward toward making new memories in your new home.