Four Deadly Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Sooner or later, most homeowners will be in a position to sell their home. This blog summarizes the top mistakes that home sellers make, simply because the experience is new to them.

Mistake #1.  Failing to Maximize the "Curb Appeal" of Your Home
When you're preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions.  A buyer's first impression can determine whether they'll choose to look inside.  It's estimated that more than that 50 percent of shoppers decide to purchase a home even before they get out of their car.  With that in mind, be sure to stand outside your home and take a realistic "fresh look."  Then ask yourself what you can do to enhance the "curb appeal."  It could make a significant difference in your final sales price as well as the speed of your sale.

Mistake #2. Not Appreciating the Buyer's Point of View
Unreasonable though it may be, a prospective buyer would like to see a perfect home from top to bottom and inside and out.  To improve the likelihood of an easy, fast and profitable home sale, we suggest that you attend to the following items:

On the outside
- Sweep the front walkway.
- Remove newspapers, bikes and toys.
- Park extra cars away from the property.
- Trim back the shrubs.
- Clean windows and window coverings.
- Make sure roof and gutters are clean and in good condition.
- Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers.
- Keep pet areas clean.
- Take down out-of-season decorations.

On the inside
- The kitchen and bathroom should look and smell clean.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets (and have them professionally cleaned, if necessary).
- Put away dishes, unless setting a formal display for decoration.
- Make all beds and put away clothing.
- Open drapes and turn on lights for a brighter feel.
- Straighten closets.
- Put away toys.
- Turn off televisions.
- Play soft music on the radio/stereo.
- Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free.
- Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables.

Mistake #3.  Thinking You Need To be In the Home to Provide Details to Prospective Buyers
Most potential buyers feel more comfortable if they can speak freely to the real estate professional without the owner present.  If people unaccompanied by an agent would like to see your property, refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment.

Mistake #4. Over-Pricing Your Home
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price.  It's one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate consultant can pay for itself versus trying to sell your home yourself. If the listing price is too high, you'll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the range where your home should be priced.  By the time you correct the price, you've already missed exposure to a group of potential buyers. 

To learn more about selling your home contact Kammeyer Realty Group at 317-570-3800 or visit us at http://www.www.KammeyerRealtyGroup.com.