Selling Your Home? Common Mistakes To Avoid
This year has been an unbelievable real estate market. The pent-up demand, low-interest rates, and other factors pushed the market to new heights. All across the US, homes were selling at a frantic pace in 2021. As a result, every seller dreams of receiving an asking price offer instantly when they put a for sale sign up outside their home. In reality, buying and selling houses can be a roller coaster ride. Even in a strong seller’s market, you still need to be competitive. As the market cools this fall and winter season, it’s even more important to prepare your home for sale properly. In this guide, we’ll discuss some common mistakes to avoid when your home is on the market.
Poor quality photographs
It’s no secret that buyers look online first when they start looking for their dream home. Many people will browse listings online, taking a matter of seconds to skim through galleries, and may reject homes based on photos alone. The average human forms the first impression within 7 seconds, so it’s vital to ensure that your listing has an impact. Use professional-quality, high-resolution images and showcase your home in the best possible light. When it comes to great real estate photos, lighting is key. A professional photographer will know how to create the right balance of light and compose each shot well. Professional photography is a non-negotiable item in today’s competitive market.
If it’s right for your home, consider aerial photography or a 3D tour to engage buyers. Aerial photos or videos are perfect if you have a large property. 3D tours allow buyers to walk through your home as if they are there; they can experience how it flows, which can sometimes be difficult when simply looking at photographs.
Unresolved DIY projects
If you are one of those people who starts DIY jobs with the best intentions but rarely finishes them, it’s critical to make sure you complete half-baked tasks before you sell your home. Take care of painting walls, hanging shelves, repairing loose door handles, and other minor tasks before putting the house on the market. Contact reputable companies if you need help with patching drywall holes, repairing damaged carpeting, or even landscaping. It’s also important to hire licensed professionals for critical systems of the home like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
Cleanliness
One of the most common turn-offs for buyers is a property that is dirty or smelly. Always take the time to clean your home before taking photographs for a listing or welcoming buyers or agents to take a look around. Polish surfaces, vacuum, and mop floors, and tidy up. Use scented candles or diffusers to add a pleasant aroma and pay particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms. If you don’t have time to clean your home before it goes on the market, consider hiring a professional cleaner.
Clutter
Clutter looks unattractive, but it can also create the illusion of small, cramped spaces. Even a large, bright room can suddenly become dingy if it is packed to the rafters. If you have a lot of stuff, it’s beneficial to set aside some time to declutter or tidy your possessions away before arranging viewings or an open house. Use storage solutions to organize your belongings and create more usable space in living areas. You want to ensure that living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and kitchens look as large and light as possible. You can also maximize natural light by sticking to neutral tones when painting the walls and hanging mirrors to bounce light around the room. A large part of staging your home to sell includes removing items that create the perception of chaos.
Every seller dreams of a quick, hassle-free sale, but often, it takes time to sell a property. If your home is on the market, or you’re preparing your home for sale, avoid these common mistakes to ensure you create a positive first impression and encourage buyers to make an offer.