The Top Ten Ways NOT to Sell a Home.

I wrote this list after showing properties the other day that simply should not be on the market. Everyone has seen a list on how to sell a home. How about how NOT to sell a home? Why would anyone NOT want to sell? I'm "NOT" sure.

1.) Over price your home. Do you think you need a buffer in case someone low-balls you? Remember the market doesn't care how much you "need to get" or how much equity you "factored in." Is your agent showing you sold comps? You need to be aware of the active and pending homes that are in direct competition to you. You need more than a zestimate to price a home!

2.) Not staging. Are your closets full or unorganized? Do you have to walk around furniture to get to the middle of the room? Is there ANYTHING on your flat surfaces? Clear it out and clean it off! Hire a professional.

3.) Not using professional photos. Did your Realtor show up with a 3meg digital camera? My cell phone has more than that.. Are you a professional? Did you hire a professional Realtor? Use a professional photographer. The best ROI for agents.

4.) Not having a virtual tour. Buyers want to see it online, to not only obsess about it, if they like it, but to send it to family and friends to reassure themselves on the purchase. They expect it as much as the seller expects an Open House.

5.) Not using an agent who allocates Social Networking. Blogging is the best way to increase google activity and bring attention to the listing. Other micro-blogs like Face Book, Twitter, Linked-in etc are HUGE avenues for marketing. The MLS is not all that you need.

6.) Not being available to show. Buyers will skip your listing if they can't see it when they want to see it. It is a buyers market, be ready to show at all times.

7.) Not using an agent with designations. Not all agents with out designations are bad agents, but very few agents with designations are bad agents. The top 23% of all agents in the country have designations. It's simple, designations certify experience and education...more education than the state board regulates.

8.) Not having an open house. Ok Ok Ok, I know I know. Every listing should be introduced to the market with an Open House. If only the neighbors show up, good. Let them meet you, feel comfortable with you and get some of your cards. If someone they know is looking in the area, chances are they are going to refer you and your listing. This keeps their property values up or stable.

9.) Thinking you can sell it on your own. You can't! Not in this market, Period! Buyer agents do not want to work with FSBO or flat rate listings. They go about this ethically by informing their buying clients upfront. After all, there are no Realtor ethics or very little experience on the other side of the transaction...nor any EO insurance. Why would they increase their own liability for less or questionable pay? As long as they disclose this practice to their buyer, it is ethical.

10.) Not being patient. This is a tough slow market to sell. Do not put undue stress on your agent and your family by expecting to sell in 30 days. If you do, you will likely hinder the sale more than help it.

                       

 

 

            

Associate Broker, ABR®, e-PRO®

Home Page

Like what you read? Please follow me on my other web sites:

 

Copyright 2010 Lane Midgett and 1776 Real Estate Group. Re-blog only with a link back please.