Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home

Let's look at a few important points to consider when preparing for the sale.

Being Too Emotional

This mistake might not be obvious, but it's important not to let emotions run your show when selling a home. It's normal to feel emotional, especially if it's your first real estate sale, as it required a lot of planning, saving, and finding the right home for you and your family. However, try to treat it as a deal: you're the seller offering something someone wants—whether that's watches or a sofa. Don't let emotions interfere with decision-making. If you're not too emotional, it's easier to ensure all necessary home improvements are done to increase its value—for example, repairs. These efforts will help you get the maximum price for your home.

Not Hiring a Real Estate Agent

One mistake to avoid is selling your home on your own. While it might seem attractive not to pay a commission to a realtor, they really simplify the process. A realtor will determine your home's value and help you get the best price for it. Additionally, during negotiations, a realtor can help you assess if an offered price is realistic. If you're busy, a realtor becomes an excellent assistant: they organize open houses and showings, allowing you to focus on work and daily responsibilities.

Setting an Overly High Price

Although it might be tempting to set the price above your home's actual value, this mistake should be avoided. An overly high price may scare off potential buyers. Evaluate your home's value, account for any renovations made, and set a reasonable price. A realtor can also help with this. Setting a fair price will attract more buyers and increase interest in your home, increasing the chances of a quick sale.

Not Accounting for Negotiation in Listing Price

Expecting the listing price to be final is a common mistake, especially among newcomers. While you want to sell your home at its true value, it's important to leave room for negotiation. Most buyers make offers below the listed price, so you have a chance to negotiate. However, don't be surprised if a buyer offers below the listed price—it’s normal. In such cases, a realtor can help you navigate all the nuances.

Not Uploading Photos Online

Many buyers search for information about a home online before visiting in person. A common seller mistake is not uploading photos so buyers can get an idea of the home before coming for a viewing. This may result in fewer visitors and slower sales. Therefore, uploading photos is essential. When taking pictures, aim for good angles and use natural lighting when possible. If you can provide a 360-degree tour of the home, it will help buyers feel like they're there and encourage them to visit.

Not Disclosing Issues

Whether the problems in your home are minor or major, it's important to disclose them when selling. One option is to sell the home 'as-is,' letting the buyer decide if they want to purchase it with existing issues. In some states, this is required by law, and misrepresenting defects can lead to lawsuits. Either way, it's recommended to have your home inspected and be honest with potential buyers.

Whether you're buying or selling your first home, here you'll find all the information about average real estate prices in the Milpitas area. Remember, selling a home can be a challenging task, but getting proper help and avoiding mistakes will make the process much easier for you and your family. The timing of a sale depends on market conditions: buyer's or seller's market. Perhaps it’s better to wait for a more favorable price, but remain realistic and address problems as they arise. And remember, good things are achieved through hard work and effort—and it's often worth the extra effort to reach your goal.