Avoid These 10 Mistakes While Selling a Home Fast
Preparation is key if you’re interested in selling a home fast and for top dollar. That’s why I’ve created this list of the top 10 mistakes home sellers make that can keep their home sitting on the market for months with no or low offers. Don’t let that happen to you! Just take care of these 10 mistakes home sellers make before you list:
1. Extreme damage
I’ve seen this problem before, especially from clients who were selling a rental home. I always tell my sellers to pay attention to every square foot, both inside and out.
2. Yucky bathroom flooring
Never leave carpet in your bathroom. Potential homebuyers will have two issues running through their heads while they tour your home:
• Is there mold under that carpet?
• Is that carpet covering urine around the toilet?
The bottom line: carpet in the bathroom is undesirable.
3. Vile stains
A potential buyer can be turned off by nasty or vile stains in the carpet. Those stains are more than an eyesore, the can leave the impression that the whole property is nothing more than a dump. This is an easy fix, though, and shouldn’t be ignored before listing.
4. Pet odor
I absolutely love pets, but I hate the foul smell they can leave in your home. Buyers don’t like the odor either. I recommend pet owners deep clean carpets as well as their upholstered furniture. They should also get some air fresheners and remove all evidence of pets (cat boxes especially).
5. Barking dogs
If your neighbor’s dog barks incessantly, that can ruin an open house. Just offer to pay for daycare for your neighbor’s dog and eliminate the issue altogether when potential buyers are coming to tour your property.
6. Dead or dying grass
If your front yard screams neglect, potential buyers will expect the inside to be unkempt too. I can’t stress enough the importance of curb appeal. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Make sure it’s a good one.
7. The wrong agent
I’ve blogged in the past about What You Really Need to Know to Find a Real Estate Agent. I’ve also shared the Top Real Estate Agents in America. But my blogs are not the only place to do a little research before you sign a real estate contract. Do your due diligence!
8. Your messy drawers
Buyers open stuff up – like closets and drawers. If you leave your mess, even hidden, potential buyers will think there’s a lack of storage in your home.
9. Be reasonable
Inspections that uncover big problems can kill a deal. Think plumbing, electrical or some other big ticket issue when selling a home. That’s an easy fix during the negotiation process. Just be reasonable and willing to negotiate with a potential buyer.
10. Interior decorating
Sure, you have your own taste in decorating. You keep up with the trends. But not everyone will appreciate your taste. A few simple updates can make your home look fresh, and appeal to a maximum amount of potential buyers. Want some inspiration? Then check out HGTV’s 10 Best-Kept Secrets For Selling Your Home.
If you’re selling a home, and want to do it expeditiously, efficiently and lucratively in Montecito, Hope Ranch or any of Santa Barbara’s upscale communities, please call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. Just ask the sellers of this Contemporary Montecito Home, situated in an exclusive enclave, or this Picacho Lane Mediterranean, located on one of Montecito’s most prestigious streets. I sold both listings in record time for maximum amounts.
With 30 years behind me as a top Realtor, I know what it takes to sell your home fast and I’m not afraid to give you my honest input before we list your property. I can also help buyers find the perfect home — like I did for the new owners this meticulously maintained and upgraded home located on a quiet cul-de-sac.