6 Things To Avoid To Get The Most For Your Home

If you're like most people, your house is one of the most significant assets. This means that when it's time to sell, a lot of money is at stake. The decisions you make while selling your home can impact the rest of your life. Improve your chances of getting top dollar by avoiding these six common seller mistakes.  

1. Neglecting to Fix Obvious Problems
   It's likely that your buyer will request a pre-sale inspection, but if you know there are problems with your home, go ahead and fix them before that happens. Simple flaws like chipped paint, a leaky faucet, or holes in the walls can seem like a red flag to potential home buyers. Fix these issues before you list your home for sale, and you're less likely to come across lowball offers.
2. Overspending on Upgrades
   While a fresh coat of paint, landscaping, and minor upgrades can do wonders for your home's sale price, most major luxury renovations may not bring your anticipated return on investment. Instead of pouring a lot into costly improvements, focus your efforts on making your home look clean and well-maintained.
3. Skimping on Photography
   Most buyers start their home search online, so photography is more important now than ever before. Hiring a professional photographer who knows how to use angles and lighting to make your house look its best is well worth the investment. Fail to do this, and some potential buyers will rule out your home without even taking the time to see it in person.
4. Getting Emotionally Attached
   It's understandable to feel some attachment to your home, but when it comes time to sell, you must remember that it's a business transaction.
   
   Receiving your full asking price from a buyer would be ideal; however, be willing to negotiate.
   
   If the buyer finds a problem that needs repair and requests credit, don't take it personally. It's better to comply than lose a good deal over a few hundred dollars.
5. Making Showings Difficult
   Selling your home is often a numbers game. The more showings you have, the more likely you are to find the right buyer. To increase your chances of getting a good offer, you'll want to be flexible about your showing dates and times. This also means you'll have to keep your home as tidy and clutter-free as possible throughout the sales period.
   
   It's best if you're not present during showings, so you'll need to be willing to leave your home at a moment's notice. Since pets in the house can be a turn-off to buyers, make plans to take your pets with you or arrange for them to stay with a friend or relative while your home is up for sale.
6. Failing to Use a Qualified Real Estate Agent
   Although you technically can sell your home without a real estate agent, using a professional to help you through the process will increase your chances of getting top dollar. Your agent will give you advice about staging, pricing, contract negotiation, and more. He or she can recommend a great photographer, optimize your home listings, and get your house in front of potential buyers who might not have found it otherwise.

Selling your home doesn't need to be a chore. By working with your agent and avoiding these pitfalls, you can expect fair offers on your property.

• Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
• Planning a Backyard Space for Entertaining
• Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
• How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
• Simple Upgrades That Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
• Smart Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs

• What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
• What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
• How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
• What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
• Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
• How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment

• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties

• How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
• When a Price Reduction Can Help Restart Buyer Interest
• How Professional Photography Impacts Online Listing Views
• The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
• What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
• How to Prepare Your Home for a Competitive Offer Situation
• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence

• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy