If you find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out why your beautiful home isn’t selling it could be because of one (or more) of these costly mistakes. Costly mistakes can quickly tally up to being thousands of dollars you’ve lost out on. Let’s work together to make certain everything is accounted for.  

Use this handy list to make certain your home presents its best.

Mistake #1: Posting a “For Sale by Owner” sign in your yard

At first thought it may appear less costly to become a do-it-yourself seller but this is a myth. Selling your home takes a huge commitment of time to research and learn as you go—when all you really want to do is sell your home. After clocking in a full day at your job the last thing you want to do or have the energy for is trying to master marketing real estate, staging, research how to list a property or who to hire for contracts and inspections. A real estate professional comes to you with knowledge, know-how, and experience prepared to get down to the business of selling your home.

Mistake #2: Not hiring a professional REALTOR®

The facts are an experienced REALTOR® can save you headaches. Your agent knows the market trends, knows the competition, knows other agents and brokers, has experience to back up their suggestions, has resources and connections plus understands how to help you get the price you want.

Mistake #3: Being present for showings and open house tours

As much as you want to be there to help point out special features around your home, please don’t. Talk about these things with your agent and trust them to showcase your home to the potential buyer. Homeowners should avoid being present during showings or open house tours.

The facts are sellers have a hard time separating the emotions connected with the home and hearing what buyers and agents have to say about the home. It’s tough hearing someone discuss a home being overpriced or lacking modern updates. It’s challenging to remain neutral while others dissect your design choices. Homeowners are too close and need to hand-off these tasks to their REALTOR® who doesn’t have the same level of attachment.

Mistake #4: Poorly lit and overall bad listing photos

90% of home buyers begin their searches online. This make seeing good quality listing photos a must. Avoid using your phone’s camera. Avoid taking a photo of a cluttered, untidy room. Buyers are looking for spaciousness, great lighting, and need to see the room and envision how their family could fit into this home. If someone doesn’t like what’s viewed in the listing photos, they won’t schedule a visit to view the house in-person. You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Make this count.

Mistake #5: Ignoring necessary home repairs, declutter, and clean-up

Take a look around your home and make a list of the obvious repairs. I promise, if you can see these repairs are needed, prospective buyers will also take notice. Ignoring needed repairs can reduce your listing price. You want to present your home in its uncluttered and best condition.

Potential buyers who see stained carpets, water stains, cracks, or chipped paint will get impression the home is neglected and anticipate other larger issues are hidden. Your home should look well-maintained, tidy, and well-cared for. Remove items from the closets, countertops, and throughout the room to show how spacious your home truly is.

Mistake #6: Avoid setting the listing price too high

Quite a few sellers rely on talking with friends or looking at few listings to set their price but there is a smarter way. It would make you heartsick to learn you underpriced your home due to qualities you weren’t aware are currently high on buyer’s must-haves lists. It’s critical to know the market and what’s hot. The best way to avoid overpricing or underpricing your home’s listing is to listen to your real estate agent.

Remember this: When a home presents well, it sells.

Have questions? Schedule an appointment today to get all the answers and information you need. We are here to set you up with a positive and prosperous selling experience.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.