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Avoid These 8 Common Mistakes When Listing Your Home For Sale

Selling a home is a process in which every detail matters. If you’re like many homeowners, you may only sell a property two or three times throughout your entire life. Since selling a home is often a new endeavor for homeowners, it’s easy to make an error throughout the process accidentally. Here are eight common mistakes you can easily avoid when listing your home for sale.

  1. Hiring the Wrong Real Estate Agent
    This is the first — and one of the most significant — mistakes sellers make. A real estate agent can either be your best resource or put you at a considerable disadvantage in the selling process. You need a real estate agent who is more than simply qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced. Research their track record to see how successful their previous transactions have been and ask around town to get honest opinions of who the best agents are.
  2. Setting Unreasonable Expectations
    We all want to receive top dollar for our homes; however, it’s unwise to set astronomic expectations. You’ll need to humble your assumptions and realize the reality of the market, the condition of your home, and the limits of your prospective buyers. Keep your list price, conditions, and expectations reasonable so you will be prepared for low appraisals and higher-than-anticipated offers alike.
  3. Not Upgrading/Enhancing the Home
    Although you’re saying goodbye to your house, you need to make sure you send it off in style. Repairing, enhancing, and upgrading elements of your home can increase both its presentation and financial value. Spend the time and money to complete a few easy tasks inside and out so you can get top dollar for your home.
  4. Only Focusing on the Highest Offers
    The most substantial offers always stand out; however, they aren’t always the best. Be ready to consider amounts that are not the highest. They may be from buyers who have secured financing, have great credit histories, and are looking to make your part in this process as convenient as possible.
  5. Forgetting About Costs/Concessions
    Many sellers may initially forget that it takes money to make money, even when selling a home. Remember that negotiations may result in you needing to pay closing costs or improve certain areas of the house to finalize the sale. To adequately prepare, make sure you have a little saved in the bank just in case.
  6. Being Dishonest
    One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to be dishonest during the process. You need to be upfront about everything, even aspects of your home that may be negative like water damage, extensive repairs, or existing problems. These will likely be uncovered during the inspection so it’s best to be honest with your real estate agent ahead of time so you two can plan accordingly.
  7. Trying to Cut Costs
    Hopefully, you’re selling a home that will more than recoup your investment. This is no time to cut costs, however. You need to invest in the right resources to ensure you get the best offer on your home. This includes paying for professional photography for your online listing and potentially hiring services like lawn care and in-home cleaning to ensure the property is responsibly maintained until the sale is finalized.
  8. Not Having an Open Dialog With Your Agent
    Your real estate agent’s job — and honestly, their sincere interest — is to help you successfully sell your home and receive the largest possible purchase price. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent questions, seek them out for advice or disagree with them if you have a differing opinion. You’re both on the same team. Collaboration and cooperation will only make you both more successful.

Listing a home for sale isn’t a one-person job. Rely on your experienced real estate agent to guide you through the selling process and to help secure the top dollar for your home.

flooring

Nail Down New Flooring

When it comes to renovating a home for sale, many people look up — to a new roof. However, it’s a good idea not to overlook what’s beneath your feet: flooring and carpet. New flooring can make your home much more attractive to prospective buyers.

Choosing the right new flooring can be tougher than it seems. In addition to getting the perfect look and feel, you also have to consider factors like moisture, durability, and cost.

Although there are many kinds of flooring out there, most homes will sport one out of just five options. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each type will help you make the right selection to add value to your property.

Let’s take a closer look:

Vinyl

Vinyl is made from synthetic polymers with added color and is the most budget-conscious choice. It’s easy to clean, and it resists water damage, so it tends to be the best selection for areas like kitchens and laundry rooms where other floors show age fast.

Things to Remember

  • A broom, mop, and soapy water will usually clean stains from vinyl very easily.
  • Vinyl can be tough to repair when damaged, so avoid cracks and harsh chemicals.
  • Vinyl usually costs $2-$4 per square foot and comes in large, cost-effective sheets.

Tile

Tile is made from ceramic or porcelain. It combines the strong water resistance of vinyl with a premium appearance most associated with bathrooms. It can also be an excellent choice for kitchens since it won’t fade with repeated cleaning. Faux finishes can enhance its appearance.

Things to Remember

  • Tile is easy to clean, but grout is a notorious dirt magnet; replace it every 5-10 years.
  • Tile ranges from $12 to $19 for each square foot and usually requires pro installation.

Composite or Engineered Wood

Processed wood flooring can look similar to hardwood but is made by compressing multiple layers of plywood with a single hardwood layer on top. It is very versatile, with easy installation over any subfloor, and is good in any moisture-free environment.

Things to Remember

  • Sweeping and mopping will keep processed wood looking like new for many years.
  • Beware of footwear! Heels, cleats, and any heavy, dragging object can harm the wood.
  • Square foot costs run between $7-$11; handy homeowners can handle the installation.

Hardwood

Hardwood is considered the “gold standard” and adds value to almost any home. It tends to last for about a century but will require more maintenance than other floors. It can be sanded and re-finished to extend its lifespan and will work in any moisture-free area.

Things to Remember

  • Weekly broom cleaning and monthly mopping will meet most of this floor’s needs.
  • As scratches and dullness set in after a while, the floor can be restored by buffing it.
  • Hardwood can vary in price but tends to be among the most expensive options.

Carpet

Carpet is the go-to flooring in bedrooms, living areas, and many playrooms because of its comfort. It can be made from polyester, nylon, or polypropylene, with plenty of colors and styles to choose from. For the most part, it will last throughout the life of the home, but it can show wear in high-traffic areas.

Things to Remember

  • Spills must be cleaned immediately to prevent staining.
  • Vacuuming a few times a week will keep the carpet clean.
  • A carpet usually needs professional installation but costs as little as $4 per square foot.

Just like a fresh coat of paint, new flooring can refresh a home’s look before going to market. Your real estate agent can advise you about flooring trends that match buyers’ tastes.