Sellers ruin home sales in a number of ways. Believe it or not, some sellers actually sabotage themselves because they’re not truly ready to say goodbye. Others just make seemingly small mistakes which turn out to have big time consequences.
Right now, across most of the nation, as well as here in Orlando, sellers are enjoying the market conditions. While buyers benefit from low interest rates, new credit score modeling, loosened standards, and a variety of loan products. Although this is an ideal time to sell your home, you’ve still got to do it right. So, let’s take a look at how sellers ruin home sales. Then, you’ll know what to avoid.
How to Attract Buyers to Your Home
There are a few proven ways to attract buyers to your home. Some sellers ruin home sales by starting off on the wrong foot, so-to-speak. Begin the selling process by doing three things very well: declutter, depersonalize, and deep clean. Your goal is to make your house look like a builder’s model home.
“When potential buyers drive up to your home, they’re full of hope. They imagine themselves baking in the kitchen and their kids playing in the yard. Most of all they think: ‘Could this be my home?’ Then they look closer.” —Realtor.com
Stage your home to maximize traffic flow. Spruce up the curb appeal. Then, have your property photographed by an experience real estate professional or a photographer who specializes in houses. And, price it right. If you do those things, you’ll have a lot going for your property. After all, it’s really about making a positive impression on potential buyers.
Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes and you’ll understand more clearly what’s most desirable. And, keep in mind two key facts. One, you only have between 7 and 10 seconds to make a positive impression. (Because that’s how long it takes for people to form an impression about a house.) And, just 1 in 10 people can imagine a space in another way than it’s presented.
Top Ways Sellers Ruin Home Sales
If you declutter, depersonalize, deep clean, stage, and spruce up the curb appeal, and price it right, you’ll be well on your way to selling. But, be sure to avoid these ways some sellers ruin home sales:
- Changing the asking price. It’s crucial to set the right price, right from the beginning. If you don’t, you’ll only cause the house to sit on the market longer than necessary. Price it too high, and you’ll miss your target buyers pool. Price it too low, and it sends a signal there’s something wrong with the property.
- Publishing a bad listing description. Make no mistake about it, a bad listing description will harm your ability to sell your house. Over 90 percent of home searches begin on the internet. Spelling and grammar errors are one thing that will turn off home searchers. And, don’t embellish. It’s okay to talk up the property but do not make claims which simply aren’t true.
- Turning down unscheduled showings. Most buyers look at homes in the evenings and on weekends. Now, this isn’t convenient but if you really want to sell, you’ve simply got to make the house accessible. That includes accommodating unscheduled showings. This small sacrifice will indeed pay off, big time.
- Not getting feedback from people who’ve seen your home. After people walk through the house, ask what they did and don’t like about it. Soliciting feedback will prove very helpful.
If you are considering selling a house in Orlando’s Hunter’s Creek, or another community, contact us for the latest market information. We are local and experienced in all facets of residential real estate, here to help you, when you need it.