Seller's Mistakes

Karen Forester is a licensed Nevada real estate professional and expert on Minden Home Sales, Gardnerville Home Sales, Smith Valley Home Sales, Dayton Valley Home Sales, Carson City Home Sales, Genoa Home sales and Carson Valley Real Estate. For more information on real estate, home sales, home buying, land, foreclosures or anything else, please contact Karen Forester at 775-690-3416 today!

Sellers don’t make these mistakes!
What you can do to help sell your home!

Pricing:  Many times sellers walk down the street, see a home for sale in their neighborhood and decide that their home should be priced the same or more because they perceive that their home is in better condition.  Unfortunately there are many factors that they don’t consider.  How does the square footage compare?  What upgrades are in each home?  Is your home in better shape but is on a busy street or perhaps backs up to one?

How long has the other home been listed?  Was it over price to begin with?  Are there features in the other home that are more appealing to most buyers but may not be appealing to you?  This is part of what I evaluate as a Realtor.  I know the market.  Selling real estate is all I do.   I have toured many of the homes in the area, and can give you an honest idea of what your home needs to be priced at in order to sell.  If your recently remodeled you probably won’t recoup all you money.  It takes time for that to happen.  Remember my job is to sell your, not list your home. 

Another factor to consider with pricing, Realtors don’t decide price, a willing buyer and seller do.  Market prices don’t lie.  They are simply a reflection of buyers and sellers agreeing on price.  Pricing a home has nothing to do with what you need to retire, or much it will cost you to send your kids to college.  It’s what your home will sell for. 

Not getting your home in top condition before having your Realtor view it.  Your home is probably your single biggest investment.  If you were going to sell a car, wouldn’t you clean it up or perhaps ever detail it before having potential buyers look at it? If you are having a Realtor look at your home in order to price it don’t you want it in the best possible condition so you will get the best possible price?  Take a few minutes clear away clutter.  Pack up some of the nick knacks.  Make sure the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle. Clean up the garage.  I know you can do it later but I’m telling you Realtors notice the dirty baseboards and they think there is a good chance when your home needs to be showed that is what potential buyers will see.  Homes that are clean and well maintained, appeal to more people and sell faster.  We don’t mind making suggestions but you will be ahead of the game if you follow this tip.  

When your house is being shown, leave the house!  When the sellers remain home buyers don’t feel free to talk, and many times they rush through the house so they won’t take up your time. Of course, there are times when this won’t be possible.  There may even be times when it’s to your advantage to be there to answer questions that the buyer may ask but keep in mind the buyers agent could always set up another showing to meet with you.

Leave the all the lights on and open the window coverings.  I can’t tell you the difference it makes when walk into a home and this is done.  The house seems more inviting.  You feel like you are being welcomed.  Most people like light and bright. Have you ever been to a model home?  Notice how all the lights are on and windows are covered with valances.  Light helps sell your home. 

How does your home look from the street?  Is there something you can do to make your house the most appealing on the street?  You know what I mean, you drive down the block and one house stands out.  Maybe the grass is greener and there are plants blooming, there aren’t weeds in the yard or dead leaves and plants.  Perhaps the door is freshly painted.  The front entry area is swept and free of cobwebs.  This will help sell your home as well as market it.  

I know this probably sounds like a bit of a rant.   Many of you do all these things.  If you don’t, well believe me when I say these tips help you get more money and sell your home faster!