Let’s face it, when buyers drive up to your home, they have a lot of high hopes. They might be thinking, “Is this my new house?”
However, as they come closer, will they see things you’ve done (or haven’t done) that cause them to drive away?
Is the yard a mess? Do the shutters need painted? Have you just cost yourself a contract by making a few simple mistakes. Here is a list of five home-selling mistakes to avoid with tips on how to correct them.
- Dirty Kitchen, Dirty Bathrooms
For most people, the kitchen is one of the marquee attractions when looking at a potential home. Bathrooms are less an attraction than a necessity in most cases, but they’re just as important. Clean both rooms thoroughly, including grout, tiles, and those annoying, hard-to-reach areas around appliances. - A Messy Yard
When acting on tips for how to sell your house, it’s easy to get so caught up in preparing the inside of your home that you forget about the outside. It’s also a big mistake. Your front lawn is an advertisement, even to people who are just passing by. Keep your lawn healthy, your hedges trimmed, and your yard free of clutter. - Old Appliances
While it may seem counter-intuitive to purchase new appliances for a home you’re about to leave, doing so can make it easier to sell your home. You don’t need the most advanced, high-end appliances, unless you’re appealing to the luxury market. The important thing is that the buyer knows your appliances have modern features, work well, and won’t have to be replaced anytime soon. - Old Carpets, Odd Colors
While that extra-shaggy carpet or lime-green sitting room may have seemed a good idea at the time, it might not go over so well with potential buyers. Opt for hardwood floors or new carpet instead, and paint those extra-vibrant rooms with more conventional colors. You can always get creative again when decorating your next home! - Hovering Sellers
When showing your home, there’s nothing wrong with a warm welcome and friendly rapport. Just make sure you give the potential buyer room to breathe. Allow them to look around on their own, and let them know you’re available to answer any questions. They’ll appreciate that much more than a guided tour.
Be a good neighbor and share this:
CBR, SRES - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Phone: 516.849.5895 | [email protected]
As an experienced professional Neil will do the leg work, keeping you up-to-date with new listings and the various market conditions that may impact the home purchase process. Sellers can also benefit from his skills in finance, negotiation, contractual agreements, and RE marketing. Call today and allow Neil to guide you through the complexities of buying or selling your home, eliminating hassles, and stress.
Member of:
National Association of Realtors
Long Island Board of Realtors
Multiple listing service of long Island
New York State Association of Realtors