Seven Selling
Mistakes You Don't Want to Make!
by Unknown Author
Mistake #1 -- Pricing Your Property Too
High
Every seller obviously wants to get the most
money for his or her product. Ironically, the
best way to do this is NOT to list your product
at an excessively high price! A high listing
price will cause some prospective buyers to lose
interest before even seeing your property. Also,
it may lead other buyers to expect more than
what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced
properties tend to take an unusually long time
to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower
price.
Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance
Appraisals for the Market Value
Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may
have been stated at an untruthfully high price.
Often, lenders estimate the value of your
property to be higher than it actually is in
order to encourage re-financing. The market
value of your home could actually be lower. Your
best bet is to ask your Realtor for the most
recent information regarding property sales in
your community. This will give you an up-to-date
and factually accurate estimate of your property
value.
Mistake #3 -- Forgetting to "Showcase Your
Home"
In spite of how frequently this mistake is
addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its
prevalence is still widespread. When attempting
to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not
forget to make your home look as pleasant as
possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make
sure everything functions and looks presentable.
A poorly kept home in need of repairs will
surely lower the selling price of your property
and will even turn away some buyers.
Mistake #4 -- Trying to "Hard Sell" While
Showing
Buying a house is always an emotional and
difficult decision. As a result, you should try
to allow prospective buyers to comfortably
examine your property. Don't try haggling or
forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and
hospitable. A good idea would be to point out
any subtle amenities and be receptive to
questions.
Mistake #5 -- Trying to Sell to "Looky-Loos"
A prospective buyer who shows interest
because of a "for sale" sign he saw may not
really be interested in your property. Often
buyers who do not come through a Realtor are a
good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are
more interested in seeing what is out there than
in actually making a purchase. They may still
have to sell their house, or may not be able to
afford a house yet. They may still even be
unsure as to whether or not they want to
relocate.
Your Realtor should be able to distinguish
realistic potential buyers from mere lookers.
Realtors should usually find out a prospective
buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing
power in general. If your Realtor fails to find
out this pertinent information, you should do
some investigating and questioning on your own.
This will help you avoid wasting valuable time
marketing towards the wrong people. If you have
to do this work yourself, consider finding a new
Realtor.
Mistake #6 -- Not Knowing Your Rights &
Responsibilities
It is extremely important that you are
well-informed of the details in your real estate
contract. Real estate contracts are legally
binding documents, and they can often be complex
and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in
your contract could cost you thousands for
repairs and inspections. Know what you are
responsible for before signing the contract. Can
the property be sold "as is"? How will deed
restrictions and local zoning laws will affect
your transaction? Not knowing the answers to
these kind of questions could end up costing you
a considerable amount of money.
Mistake #7 -- Limiting the Marketing and
Advertising of the Property
Your Realtor should employ a wide variety of
marketing techniques. Your Realtor should also
be committed to selling your property; he or she
should be available for every phone call from a
prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and
open houses are scheduled, during business
hours, so make sure that your Realtor is working
on selling your home during these hours. Chances
are that you have a job, too, so you may not be
able to get in touch with many potential buyers.
(BACK)
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