It’s been a crazy early spring sales season in North Texas so far. Inventories are at near record lows and buyers are pouncing on almost every new listing. Many sellers are enjoying multiple offers in a matter of days. That said, there are listings that just will not sell leaving those sellers looking for answers.
There are four deadly sins that block offers and the good news is that sellers can avoid their wrath and get their home sold!
Cleanliness and Odors
There almost nothing worse than walking into a showing only to find the home is a mess, there are some really strong odors, or both. I love to cook but not everybody appreciates the smell of caramelized onions in balsamic vinegar or the smell of the cat’s litter box! Part of selling a home is to create emotion. Taking the time or spending a few hundred dollars to have the home deep cleaned is money well spent.
Clutter and Too Much Furniture
Many of us simply outgrow our homes and we are looking to sell in order to purchase a larger home. When your home is cluttered or has way too much furniture it makes the home look small and dark. Both of these turn off buyers and block offers. Want to know how it is supposed to look? Visit some new home builders model homes and try to do it yourself. Our best advice is to hire a stager. We think it’s so important that we pay for two hours of consultation with one of the best stagers in the area for our listing clients.
Deferred Maintenance
While you may have tolerated that dripping faucet for the past four years, it really sends the wrong message to potential buyers. While most people understand that a home has been lived in, lots of deferred maintenance will have them running for the door. Take some time to lubricate squeaking doors, replace the flapper valves on the running toilet, and repair that dripping faucet. Many of these tasks can be completed by the sellers or a local handyman.
Grossly Overpriced
If you do not feel like dealing with the first three sins, you can make up for it here by correctly pricing the home. Want top dollar? You need to have the home properly prepared, staged, and show-ready. If you don’t want to do these things, you can always reduce the price to offset.
There you go. As sellers you always have a choice. Our advice: avoid the four deadly sins and get your home sold quickly and for top-dollar
Want to work with a Dallas Real Estate team named as Residential Top Producers by D Magazine? Contact us at 214-227-6626.
Photo: Licensed from iStockPhoto
Originally posted at http://www.thebranchteam.com/wordpress/2013/03/05/the-four-deadly-sins-that-block-offers/
Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton. While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure. Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.
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The Branch Team - Texas Real Estate Broker 547597 | Team Members are Texas Licensed Real Estate Professionals
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30 Comments on The Four Deadly Sins That Block Offers
Great list. It's a shame when the seller isn't aware of basic things like this that could improve their home-selling experience.
Nailed the points with this post, Tom. Sellers need to read this.
Keeping it simple and these tips, while simple, are priceless . . . literally. You nailed the four deadly sins. Sellers need to listen to the listing agent when they mention what will help to sell the place. Don't take it personally!!
You are correct great post thank you for sharing have a blessed day.
Very good Post. I think I will reblog it! The deferred maintenance, smells, too much stuff, and price, that hits the nail on the head.
Tom, these are perfect and you hit the nail on the head with these four deadly sins. Great post!
What a great post....right to the point.
Tom & Gina: You've given four very typical reasons that block offers. Unfortunately, even in hot, seller's markets, we see more examples of this than we should.
In a market like this... most properties will sell, as you described, but only if they are presented to the market properly. Nice post.
Dear Tom and Gina,
Thanks for the succint message. You make the points so clearly and powerfully. In Atlanta, we really have a very limited inventory in many areas. If something is still sitting - it may be one of your "sinners".
Have a hap[py day -
Lynn
All four of those will definitely stop a sale from ever happening. I just went through a clients home to have them clean the place up and touch up all the stuff you listed above.
Tom-Those look like the largest obstacles to a sale these days. You made it simple.
You nailed it. That is so true.
Tom this is some good Info for all in the business, keep up the good work and good luck in 2013 with your business, E
Grossly overpriced is the worst. In this market, it just doesn't make sense. Wait. In any market it doesn't make sense.
Here's what I've learned... I can talk about these issues (and I do!) with every potential seller. Some will work with you and some just won't. But those that won't I don't consider truly motivated and it's easier to pass on them than to keep beating your head against a wall when their home doesn't sell. And in the end, whom will they blame for the home not selling? Not themselves!
So. So. True. Every word if it!
I've seen all of these when showing homes ! #4 can correct them all , cause at the right price any property will sell !!!
Best idea is to put a price on each of these and show it to the seller. That may motivate them to get the home in shape....many people get their cars detailed before selling them...they do far less to their homes.
Tom, even in a sellers market, homes have to look good and be priced right in order to sell. Your last point can overcome condition, but at the sellers expense. Good points!
Tom, I think this is a list that every seller shouldn't miss. Strong points!
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