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Northern Virginia Home Seller- Top Mistakes 10 Mistakes to Avoid!

By
Real Estate Agent with Samson Properties VA0225077251

2014 spring real estate market is around the corner. Many of the home sellers in the Fairfax & Loudoun county of Northern Virginia are thinking about listing their home. Yes the housing market is strong and hopefully it remains strong during our spring and rest of the year. However few mistakes that can cost the home sellers dearly not just $$$ on the sale of their home but a potential buyers.

Here are few that I have seen in past decade while working with home seller and home buyers in the Fairfax & Loudoun county of Northern Virginia:

1. Over Pricing the home- Yes, the real estate market is strong and the homes do sell in a short period. However over pricing the home will stir a strong buyer and/or cost the home sale if the appraisal does not appraise the home. Buyers are not just going to fall for a home because it has bells and whistles. Many of the Northern Virginia home buyers are conservative, realistic and financially conscious. Be at the market value and learn what the competition or recent sold homes are in the neighborhood.

2. Non-Disclosures- If you finished that deck or basement without permits, radon levels are high, water leak in the basement and/or any other material deflects home has PLEASE disclosure it!!! Rather than buyers finding during home inspection be upfront about it.

3. Shine your home- If your house has tons of furniture move some in the storage, your kids have done art on the wall get a fresh coat of paint, pack away dozen pair of shoes or over flowing pantry. Maximize your sq. ft. of your home and stage it like a model home.

4. Make Arrangement for your Pets- There are plenty of buyers who are terrified of pets when left a home to wander/follow them. If you know you will be listing your home make arrangements for your pet to be away while the home is active on the market.

5. Showing Times- Many home sellers don't want potential buyers to come after 7 PM or before 9 AM or afternoon when their little one is taking his/her nap. Which is understandable however requiring 24 hours, notice and/or rigid times can discourage buyer agent to bring a buyer to your home.

6. Smell/ House odor- Northern Virginia is a very much diversified area. You may enjoy your ethnic food and its odor however some buyer may think it is over powering or unbearable. If you do want to cook here is a link of a blog I had written a while back on how to elimate odor while selling your home.

7. Vacant home- If you are already moved out make sure you have a friend/neighbor or a contractor who can mow the lawn, pick up the freebie fliers, leave the lights on the front porch ON and shovel the snow.

8. Underestimating the competitors- Best way to place yourself in the market is to learn your competitor. I offer my home sellers to preview the neighborhood or surrounding area active inventory in the market. This helps them to be realistic about the list price, showings and getting the home ready for the market.

9. Home Inspection Repair- Congratulations your home is under contract. Review the requested repair items with your listing agent. Be reasonable, sometimes it is better to repair hand full of items rather than find another buyer who may come up with another list of items to repair. I know the home seller will feel I am giving away in the transaction but it takes win-win situation to create a smooth transaction.

10. Wrong Realtor- The reason I put this as a last time is because many of the home seller have perspective that with internet age you can just hire any Realtor in the market and place the home on MLS. However listing your home takes a village/team to pull everything together from start to finish. It is not necessary a large top producer or a team will be a best solution for your home selling. Also PLEASE do not hire an agent that will promise you $$$ as a list price. List price is nothing but a number to bring potential buyer to your home. Interview the Realtors from various companies and work with the one who compliments your style of work.

 

Related Blogs that may interest you:

Northern Virginia Sellers 7 costly mistakes that affect the sale of your home

"Ehhhh That Ugly Wall Paper" - Seller Tips When selling your home

Northern Virginia Home Seller -10 Tips to Spruce your home in 15 Minutes!!

Selling your 1st Home in Northern Virginia ? 5 Must Read Tips for every First Time Home Sellers

Details Matter -To get the most money when selling your home in Virginia

Northern Virginia Seller-Getting your Home Ready for Pictures/Photo Shoot

 

This blog is part of activerain challenge-Mistakes Selles Make.

Posted by

 
                             
Associate Broker
MRP, ABR, ePRO

NVAR, Life Time Top Producer
NVAR,Multiple Million Dollar Sales Club Member
Samson Properties
Cell - 703-625-4949
Email - info@eNOVAHomes.com
Web: www.eNOVAHOMES.com
 
Residential real estate agent serving Northern Virginia in Fairfax & Loudoun county over a decade and almost $100+M in sales volume experience. 


 

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