The home market is still hot, but that doesn’t mean sellers can be demanding prima donnas. Certain mistakes can turn buyers off, cost you thousands of dollars, or even squash a deal altogether.
Here are some of the top things that could dissuade buyers from making an offer on your home:
Nasty smells: From sports equipment to stinky shoes, litter boxes and general teenage boy funk, bad odors can leave a lasting impression on buyers.
Too much personality: Buyers need to connect emotionally with a home, and they need to be able to picture themselves inside. To help them, take down your personal pictures and eliminate distinctive décor. Don’t hang around for showings or open houses, either.
Lots of stuff: Too much stuff can make your home look smaller. Declutter and move things out well before moving day. Clean out your closets, cabinets and garage and either get rid of your excess stuff or move nonessentials into storage while you’re marketing your house.
Fibs and coverups: Be honest about any of your home’s known faults. Covering up problems will generally come back to bite you, as buyers will ask to renegotiate or will simply walk away.
Unrealistic expectations: Just because your neighbor’s house flew off the market at a premium price doesn’t mean yours will too. The market ebbs and flows. Listen to your realtor’s advice when it comes to pricing and recommended repairs.
Possessiveness: Resist the urge to strip your home of curtain rods, drapes, and specialty light fixtures, unless you specified as much in your listing agreement.
Ignoring special circumstances: A variety of situations can create risk and complications in the sale process. Sellers are generally advised to involve a real estate attorney in any sale, but legal support can be essential if you are selling due to a divorce, selling a house from a trust, or selling to family members, or if you have tenants renting the property or have liens or judgments on the property.
Last minute conflicts and complications can unravel a whole deal. A real estate attorney can address any legal issues that crop up during the closing process, or better yet, help you avoid them from the outset.