What Not to Do When
Your Home Is on the Market
By Kelly O'Ryan
RISMEDIA, There is a lot
of advice available for those looking to sell their home these days. Instead of
telling you want to do to sell your home in today’s market, let’s focus on what
not to do.
1.) Do not defer
on basic home maintenance. Slacking on basic home care can be extremely risky
and is likely to attract the wrong kind of buyer. Best case scenario, houses
that need a lot of work will attract a property flipper, known for their low
offers. A house that is run down almost always makes a negative first
impression and tends to seem like a headache to buyers.
2.) Do not leave
up wallpaper and borders. These personal décor elements, along with murals and
specialized painting applications, only work to narrow the seller’s buyer pool.
Sellers need to remember the importance of neutralizing their home with modern
paint hues that appeal to a broader audience.
3.) Do not block
the front of the house with shrubbery. Prospective buyers often drive by homes
for an initial viewing, before they decide whether or not they want to make an
appointment for a showing. If the house is blocked by trees and bushes, buyers
do not get an accurate or appealing view of the home. Curb appeal is an
essential aspect to getting the best possible offer.
4.) Do not stick
around for showings and open houses. When sellers are present during showings,
prospective buyers tend to feel awkward and will rush through the appointment.
Having the seller present might also discourage buyers from commenting or
asking important questions about the house. In addition, sellers in the
majority of cases are personally attached to the home and will tend to point
out the wrong things to buyers. Agents are trained to showcase selling
qualities, not their personal favorites.
Unfortunately there is no perfect formula to
getting your home sold, but by following these tips and working with a skilled
agent, sellers will heighten their chances at closing the deal quickly at the
right price.
