Monday, August 13, 2007

Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home

Today's home sellers can reach their goals with a little market savvy and some professional guidance from a qualified Realtor, who can help you avoid these common mistakes so you'll sell your house for the price you want.

Beware of:

Not working with a Realtor
A Realtor can help navigate the extensive legal documentation and financial jargon associated with the home-selling process, allowing you to avoid costly errors. Deciding not to work with a Realtor often results in a much lower sale price. Also, Realtors must be members in good standing of the National Association of Realtors, adhering to strict standards regarding ethics and customer service. They are experts on the local real estate market. Prudential Burroughs & Chapin Realty has nearly 300 Realtors in North Carolina and South Carolina ready to server you.

Over-pricing
Listing your home at the appropriate price is crucial to getting it sold, Realtors report. Be conservative or you will miss out on buyers who are looking in your home's true price range. By the time you correct the price, you may have already missed out on potential buyers.

Determining the correct listing price is tricky. Realtors have the most up-to-date knowledge of local real estate market trends and the price, financing, terms and conditions of similar properties. They can help you determine what is a reasonable price.

Forgetting the little things
Buyers' first impressions of a property will stick with them and inevitably help determine whether they come back or make an offer. Realtors report that remembering the simple details while preparing a house for sale can make all the difference, such as:

  • Making sure the gutters and roof are clean and free of debris
  • Maintaining sealants around windows and doors
  • Cleaning windows
  • Keeping pet areas clean and free from odor
  • Removing unnecessary furniture, appliances and other clutter
Questioning the first offer
Many homeowners are tempted to reject the first offer, even if it is close to their full asking price. This offer may be the best you will receive because very competitive buyers will be eager to make an offer as soon as an attractive property comes on the market. Holding out for more money is rarely an effective strategy and may hurt you in the long run. Ask your Realtor for guidance about what you should -- and should not -- be willing to negotiate when receiving offers.

Picking the wrong buyer
Selecting the wrong buyer can lead to a multitude of problems throughout the selling process. For instance, a Realtor can make sure that your buyer is pre-qualified for a home loan to avoid any financial difficulties. Beware of buyers who add contingencies to the contract, especially a clause that states they will not close on your property until their prior home is sold. It is difficult to determine how long it will take for the buyer to sell his or her own property, which might leave you in limbo. Ask your Realtor what is -- and is not -- a reasonable request.

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