There's not much a seller can do today to discourage a barrage of showings and multiple bids.  In a previous post I conceded that you could probably have the buyer do your breakfast dishes once you're out the door but I've thought of a few ways a seller could diminish their own returns even as the dominate player in the transaction.

 

Helicoptering A Showing

This occurs less frequently where we hear of a seller reluctant to leave and intent on providing a "showing" of their property, believing rightly so that no one knows the property as well as they do.  However, much like helicopter parenting, hovering is unhealthy for a successful viewing of your home.  The buyer is uncomfortable and feeling pressured for positive vibes and can’t express their true feelings (lest they hurt your feelings) and their agent should direct them to not tip their hand by showing interest.  So what have you accomplished by being there?  The showing will end prematurely and the buyer could miss some appealing attributes of your property by making an early exit.  

 

Overlooking Or Delaying Repairs

If you want to sell for the most money possible make repairs to known issues before putting your home on the market.  Frequently, these issues are known and long-standing and as the current residents, you have long employed workarounds to save time, inconvenience or money. 

I get it, if it's broke you don't need to fix it as long as you're the occupant.  You may consider hiring a home inspector for a “pre-inspection” to identify issues that will likely impact the sale.  If you don’t want to or can’t afford to make the recommended repairs or updates yourself, at least get quotes to provide the buyer if and when it becomes an issue. If repairs are ultimately negotiated in the purchase agreement you’ll have an early heads up to the likely concessions you may have to make in favor of the buyer.

 

Your Home Is Underdressed

Stage like you’re going to live there.  Wash every window.  Wash floors, repaint, clean or remove old window treatments or buy new inexpensive ones.  Eliminate all clutter.  Remove personalized items, photos and belongings that you can do without until you move.  Emotionally your house should  become less a home and more of a product at this stage.  Let it go!  

And do this before the photographer comes.  You want your home to appear well maintained and cared for.  Deferred maintenance can be indicative of other larger deferred issues and ones that will scare away many buyers.  Bad photos will have buyers swiping left even in the best of times.  

 

Overpricing Your Home

Actually, right now you can but not obscenely.  The dire lack of inventory and the low interest rates are driving prices higher and higher.  If the buyer is seeking a mortgage the property will need to appraise for the sales price.  Consider this when you get an insanely high offer and are tempted to sign it, it may not fly once it hits the appraiser's desk.  What's your plan if your home under appraises?  Talk to your agent about strategies.   

You can avoid making frightful mistakes when you sell or buy a home by hiring a professional Realtor.  At Home Selling Team our collective experience, local knowledge and team training give you all the tools to avoid a horror show of a real estate transaction.  Contact us and we’ll put our expertise to work for you—no tricks, just treats.