Top Five Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Selling your home is not easy. And mistakes can be very costly. Here's my list of most commonly made mistakes:

1. Trying to sell without using a realtor.
A realtor knows the local market, and can help you get the best price for your home. There are a lot of steps to selling a home, and making a mistake on any one of them can cost you money. Plus, there are so many legal forms, and requirements to comply with. You have a much better chance of selling your home, for top dollar, with a qualified and licensed real estate agent.

2. Selecting the wrong Realtor.
Local real estate agents know the local market. You want someone who lives and works in the area you are trying to buy in. Try asking a friend, in your neighborhood, which real estate agent they used. Was it a good experience? If so, consider using their realtor. They will improve your chances of getting the best price for your home.

3. Setting the sales price too high.
Your realtor should be able to help you set a realistic price, and thereby maximize the chances of selling your home in 90 days. If you set the price higher than comparable properties in your area, it will not sell. Then, you will have to lower the price to attract buyers. If you have to lower it more than once, it might lower the 'perceived value' of your house. When homes are on the market too long, they can lose value.

4. Setting the sales price too low.
It's not easy to establish a reasonable selling price, especially if you don't know the local real estate market. Is it a buyers market, or a sellers market? A real estate professional will know. If you sell your home below market price, you are selling it too cheaply, and you don't make as much money as you could have.

5. Failing to showcase your homes best features.
A buyer's first impressions are the most important. Think 'curb appeal', and 'wow factor'. A good realtor can help you decide which repairs are most important, and where you will get the best return. And, of course, thoroughly clean and prepare your home before you put it on the market. Get rid of clutter, and try to look at your home through the buyer's eyes.