Most home sellers research what they need to do to raise the value of their home, but they often forget to find out what things will lower the value of their home.
The following list showcases what home sellers do wrong. Avoid these deal breakers and get your home sold quicker and for more money.
Dirty and cluttered homes
Clutter can literally cost you thousands of dollars!
Imagine if a car dealership tried to sell a used car and they didn’t even clean it up. They would get far less money than the same car that had been detailed, right? The same goes for houses.
Home buyers are finicky, to say the least. At a minimum, they want to be able to see the space they are purchasing and not think about how much cleanup work they are going to need to do before moving in.
As a home seller, the goal is to move. So why not start by sorting through belongings and packing? It accomplishes two things. You're prepped to move, and the house will show better.
Unwanted scents
Have you seen those air freshener commercials where people are nose blind? They can’t smell their own house smells because they live in it.
Ask your real estate agent if there are any smells you need to get rid of. Then do the work they suggest.
Even if you don’t have any cat litter, dog, or trash smells, it is worth your while to get a couple of air fresheners for the home.
Dark or bold paint colours
I love unique and personalized homes! However, most home buyers aren’t imaginative and value less work.
If you have dark or bold paint choices, you may want to consider repainting those spaces with a lighter, more neutral palette.
Paint is one of the least expensive, most effective changes a homeowner can make to their home. By neutralizing your home, you’ll appeal to more home buyers which ultimately gets you more offers and more money.
Poor first impression
As a seller, you are paying for a professional to help you sell your home and you should expect professional quality.
There is just no way you can take the same level of quality pictures on a smart phone as you can with real photography equipment.
First impressions are everything!
Almost all home buyers are shopping online and the first thing they see are the pictures. Many homes are marketed with dark or blurry photos that do not do the home justice. This results in less interest from buyers to go view the home, which may result in less offers and ultimately less money in your pocket.
Short or vague description
The description is an opportunity to evoke feelings in a home buyer. Feelings that make them not only want to view the home but own the home.
It’s a chance to describe things about the home and neighborhood that they might not know just by looking at the pictures. Maybe there is a great spot for a home office. Or there is the best restaurant in town within a 5 minute walk. Perhaps the backyard deck offers fantastic sunsets every night. These are the types of things that home buyers want to know.
Need more help?
Knowing what not to do is just the beginning. If you are considering selling your property, please consider giving me a call. We can discuss your plans, your particular scenario, address your concerns, and what the best options are for you and your family.
