The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing.
And if you are not working with a trusted real estate agent, you may not realize that.
Here is the downside. If you are not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes.
Here is a look at some of the most common ones – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell.
Overpricing Your House
Many sellers set their asking price too high and that is why there is an uptick in homes with price reductions today. An unrealistic price will deter potential buyers, cause an appraisal issue, or lead to your house sitting on the market longer. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“Some sellers are pricing their homes higher than ever just because they can, but this may drive away serious buyers and result in unapproved appraisals . . .”
To avoid falling into this trap, partner with a professional real estate agent. An agent uses recent sales of similar homes, the condition of your house, local market trends, and so much more to find the price that will attract more buyers and open the door for multiple offers and a faster sale.
Skipping the Small Stuff
You may try to skip important repairs, thinking you can pass the task on to your buyer. But visible issues (even if they are small) can turn off potential buyers and result in lower offers or demands for concessions. As Money Talks News says:
“Home shoppers like to turn on lights, flush toilets and run the water. If these basic things don’t work, they may assume you’ve skipped other maintenance. Homes that appear neglected aren’t likely to fetch top price.”
If you want to get your house ready to sell, the best place to turn to for advice is your agent. They will be able to do a walk-through with you and point out anything you will need to tackle before the photographer comes in.
Not Looking at Things Objectively
Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that is lower than you would want to see – especially if you didn’t stage, price, or market the house well.
It is important you don’t take this personally. Getting overly emotional can put the sale at risk. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:
“Remember, a buyer’s offer is not a reflection of their opinion of your home or your housekeeping abilities. . . The sale of your home is strictly a business transaction. If they start out with a low offer, don’t take it personally and get emotional. Instead, channel that energy toward negotiating. Work with your agent and make a counteroffer.”
Being Unwilling To Negotiate
The supply of homes for sale has grown. That means buyers have more options, and with that comes more negotiation power. As a seller, you may see more buyers getting an inspection, requesting repairs, or asking for help with closing costs today. You need to be prepared to have those conversations. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
“If you've received an offer for your house that isn't quite what you'd hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer's closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”
An agent will walk you through what levers you may want to pull based on your own goals, budget, and timeframe.
Not Using a Real Estate Agent
Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake of all.
Real estate agents have experience and expertise in pricing, marketing, negotiating, and more. That knowledge streamlines the selling process and usually results in drumming up more interest and ultimately can get you a higher final price.
Bottom Line
If you want to avoid making mistakes like these, let’s connect to make sure you are set up for success. We can help, and would be honored to assist you!
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Disclaimer: The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Transformation Advisory, LLC doing business as DFWREAdvisors Group does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Transformation Advisory, LLC doing business as DFWREAdvisors Group will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
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