Here are the seven big mistakes you should avoid when planning
the sale of your home!
1. Stains On The Ceiling
You may have replaced the roof recently, all the way to the underlying plywood and spent thousands of dollars in the process. However, if you did not repair the damage the water penetration caused to the ceilings prior to the roof replacement, your investment will fail to impress potential buyers.
Lingering doubts about what may have caused the damage and why it wasn’t fixed will cost you way more, in terms of a much lower offer you will receive, compared to the cost of patching and repainting damaged ceilings.
2. Neglected Yard
I get it. Not every homeowner has a green thumb and a desire to compete with Martha Stewart when it comes to the exterior of their home. But shrubs or trees that grew out of control and became the dominating aspect of the property, evoking memories of really scary movies simply have to go. Whether in front yard or back, they need to be trimmed to accent the home in a positive way or if the effect can’t be achieved by trimming, they need to go entirely.
We’re not going for the “Poltergeist” effect here.
3. That Old, Worn Carpeting
The truth is, most buyers today want hardwood floors in their homes. If you expose them and they’re not in perfect condition, at least they can be restored. Which is not what I recommend. But most people who go through the trouble of removing old carpeting are nicely surprised as to the quality of the floor underneath it.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Unless the smell comes from the seafood store across the alley (which is a HUGE incentive for you to start marketing your home in the winter) most of us are able to pinpoint the source of unpleasant odors permeating our homes. Whether it’s carpeting (see #3), our pets or a result of our hobbies, we should try our best to remove them and have our home odor-free. If in doubt, invite friends or neighbors for a quick visit and ask them to be brutally honest with you about the subject.
5. Clutter
Let’s face it, the buyers are not going to have the same lifestyle your family enjoys. BEFORE you list your house you should listen to your agent and follow his or her advice what to keep in every room of the house for the desired effect. The best place to put everything else is, yes, the garage.The loss of your comfort zone will result in a quicker sale and a handsome profit.
6. Pricing The House Too High For The Market
Owners who insist on an unrealistically high asking price often end up losing not only time but money. A lot of activity occurs during the first seven to fourteen days of the property entering the market. Within that time buyers who already saw everything else COMPETE FOR YOUR HOME. And they make strong offers, being aware of the competition. Afterwards, their attitudes change to “Hmmm, and how long has it been on the market? Must be the price.”
7. Hiring A Realtor From Outside The Area
An agent who is only vaguely familiar with your area and its housing stock will not be your ally. You need to work with a professional who not only has the experience but knows the intricacies of your local market – buyers’ tastes, local code and places of interest. Hiring the wrong agent can lead to a very frustrating experience with the sale of your home. If you are located in the Chicagoland area and need help please do not hesitate to contact me!
