Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Listing your home for sale takes only a few clicks of the mouse, so you need some finesse to maximize its value. A sale at the best price typically requires research and a bit of elbow grease. Home selling starts with making a good first impression on potential buyers.

Before listing your property for sale, avoiding common mistakes is important. Whether it's a house, condominium, or a plot of land, make sure your property is properly presented. Even minor errors and imperfections can turn off potential buyers. Here are common mistakes that home sellers make.

Overlooking or Masking Defects

Avoid hiding significant property issues or misrepresenting property features. For example, avoid simply painting over visibly water-damaged areas. Instead, know what to disclose and how to disclose it. The law requires you to make honest disclosures during the selling process.

Even if you think your home is pristine, ask a real estate agent to walk through it before putting it on the market. Real estate agents have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of homes. They may suggest repairs or small improvements to help your house sell faster.

Landscaping Issues and Missing Improvements

Don't assume assume home improvements will be too expensive. A home's curb appeal may depend on the seller's budget. Sellers can consider borrowing money responsibly or spending more on low-level projects. As long as it's a strategic investment, it could increase the value of your home. That might help gain you a few thousand more on the home sale. But avoid going overboard with home improvements when they might lead to a bigger headache and expense without more return.

A home's exterior is one of its biggest selling points. If you want a better bottom line for your sale price, start at the front door. Maintain your lawn, garden, and shrubs. Keep the lawn watered and plant some flowers. When buyers see your new home for the first time, they'll like these upgrades.

If you have a beautiful garden of spring bulbs or colorful fall shrubbery, shoot a video or take pictures for a photo album for potential buyers. Out of season, people may have a hard time visualizing what the yard and garden can look like at their best. Lay down some mulch and consider other renovations to chase top-dollar buyers.

Maintenance Problems

Don't neglect to maintain the property before closing. Instead, keep a close eye on what needs repair or cleaning, and know that you may be liable for damage to the property in the meantime. Broken light fixtures or light bulbs are a turnoff. If the ceiling fan or HVAC system is malfunctioning, get it checked.

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Touch up the exterior paint if it's starting to flake or peel. Repaint the interior of the living room if it's dinged or scraped. If a room needs it, give it a new coat of paint in a neutral color. Spruce up the countertops and give lively décor to the entire home.

Take time now to do all those small fixes you haven't gotten to before. Fix drippy faucets. Update the knobs and handles on the kitchen cabinets. Have broken window screens replaced and cracked windows repaired. Have the chimney for both the furnace and the fireplace checked and cleaned. Clean the mildew out of your shower and touch up the grout.

Untidy or Unsightly Premises

Evaluate what your house looks like as you step through the door. Does it look crowded or cluttered? Get rid of clutter and excess furniture. If you have a lot of stuff, put it in a storage locker. You'll make the rooms look bigger and brighter.

Clean every room in the house thoroughly. Have the carpets and draperies professionally cleaned. Clean switch plate covers. Wash the windows inside and out. Do a home inspection on your own or hire a professional. Maybe the closets need a deep cleaning, or the storage unit needs a declutter. You can clear out your personal items without depersonalizing the home feel.

Line up a professional cleaning service to come in while your house is on the real estate market so you are always ready for short-notice viewings. Some home staging will go a long way to justify a higher asking price, especially if the stager creates a memorable home look. If buyers can comfortably imagine their family photos hanging on your walls, they might be less keen to argue about paying half of the closing costs.

Wrong Listing Price

Potential buyers will be suspicious if the homeowner's asking price is too high or too low. Instead, do thorough research and consider getting expert advice from a real estate agent or home inspector. They can help you come up with a reasonable number for your home's price.

Similarly, avoid waiting for a better offer or refusing to negotiate in some situations. Instead, take the offer that satisfies you within the constraints of your circumstances. Timing is key. Houses left on the market too long can look suspicious. Rejecting an offer for an illegitimate reason, such as a discriminatory one, can also land you in legal trouble. Stick to the relevant facts when evaluating offers.

Related Resources

• FindLaw's Guide for Home Sellers
• Home Marketing Tips
• Tips for Holding an Open House
• Preparing Your House for Sale

Do You Have Legal Questions About Listing Your Property?

Are you concerned that there may be a problem with your home's title before you can sell? Are there condition issues with your home that may require a disclosure during the sale? Are there encumbrances or liens on your home that you haven't been able to address before listing? Rather than worry about potential legal problems delaying your home sale, talk with an experienced local real estate attorney before you list your home.