Top 6 mistakes to avoid when selling your home
August 26, 2015
When trying to sell their home, there are some traps that people fall into without realizing the potential complications they may cause. Realtors have seen it all when it comes to how people live, but keep these points in mind when selling your home.
Pricing your home
Be honest with yourself about your home’s pros and cons. Seek out a third-party opinion to provide an honest evaluation of what your home is worth. “The biggest mistake most sellers make is overpricing their home,” says Sunny Sidhu, a realtor with Re/Max River City. “You may think your home is the Taj Mahal, but pricing it like a world heritage site will take you out of the game.”
Keep your pets in check
“If you have pets that run, make sure they don't,” says Jeremy McKain with NOW Real Estate Group in Edmonton. “With papers and keys in hand, our dog- and cat-catching skills are limited.” If you can’t get take your rambunctious pets outside during a showing, then make sure they are in a kennel.
Clean up after your pets
Staying with the pet theme, Sunny agrees pets can be an issue when showing a house, but for another reason, “Make sure you clean up after your pets before showings. Nobody likes stepping in Fido's little presents or finding that special room containing old nuclear-like kitty litter.”
Be prepared
It’s not just a slogan for the Boy Scouts. Know that showings are the most important part of selling a home. “When your realtor books an appointment, respect those times,” says Jeremy. “There's nothing worse than pulling up to a showing only to have a shirtless homeowner answer the door.”
Don’t leave behind distractions
Sometimes things that have nothing to do with your home will be the only things people will remember and that could be a bad thing. A lingering aroma or unsightly leftovers in the sink can sink your chances of selling. “Don't smoke anything, cook fish, take a shower, or leave personal items out and about before or during showings,” advises Sunny.
Keep it neutral
“Your daughter loves pink and your son loves lime green, but your potential buyer is using it as an office,” says Jeremy. “Even if you hire a painter, you will get 100 per cent of your investment back with a neutral coat of paint. Buyers are picturing themselves in the house. When the comments are about the gaudy green room, it's a distraction.”
About Greg Donnelly
Greg Donnelly is a former broadcast journalist and TV producer who now does freelance writing while doing his main job of being a stay at home dad to his two daughters. Greg grew up in St. Albert and now lives in central Edmonton. He has also lived in Calgary and throughout northern B.C. When he does get some free time it is usually spent watching sports.