There are so many lists and articles out there that act as a guide on what to do when selling your home. These are fairly good reference point when thinking about the actual sale process or how to stage your home. However, there is another kind of guide that is just as important: that is, things NOT to do when selling a home. This is by no means a comprehensive list, rather a short collection of things that you may want to avoid when listing your home.
* Believing that buyers will place the same value on your home that you do. Simply put, your emotional attachment to your home means that you will always (likely) value it higher than what the market does. This is one reason that homes listed by owner eventually end up being listed with an agent. Essentially there is a going rate for homes, defined by size, rooms, location and numerous other factors. What is not taken into account is the great birthdays that happened there or the fact that your kids grew up there. It would be nice, but unfortunately it is not so.
* Holding an open house yourself. This is never a good idea as your own opinions and bias towards the home can taint the way a buyer sees the house. Realtors are trained to showcase a homes selling qualities, not their favorite ones. Also it can be awkward for buyers viewing a home while the occupants/owners are still there. It may discourage them from commenting or criticizing things. This is a vital part of the sale and buyers must feel comfortable to say what is on their minds.
* Thinking that there is no discernable odor to your home. Now right off the bat, this is not saying that your home stinks. Simply that each home has a different smell, this can be dictated by cooking habits, pets, children, or locale. Thinking that this will not be noticed is a mistake. We all notice smells everywhere we go, particularly when entering another home. Humans are extremely sensitive to smell, especially on a subconscious level. Be sure to do something such as baking cookies or burning scented candles when showing the home.
Try to think about things logistically. What would turn you off when looking at a home? Ensure that these things are taken care of. Also don't be afraid to ask others their opinion on negative aspects of homes. Realtors are a gold mine when it comes to these things. Take care and remember: people will look past the surface elements of a home to what lies underneath. Make sure that what they see is desirable.
Matt Barker is a real estate professional specializing in
Saint Paul real estate. Matt's dedication to excellence in the world of real estate is what makes Barker & Hedges the premier real estate team in Saint Paul.
Contact Matt for more information today.
