Selling a home can be a complicated, time-consuming and emotionally challenging process. After all “home is where the heart is”, and selling a beloved home can feel like years of memories and a neighborhood of friendships are being taken away. If the sale involves a life change, such a divorce or death, every step of the process can feel agonizing.

There are steps a homeowner can take to keep the sale hassle free as possible. First, hire a local, reputable real estate agent – someone who understands fair market value and pricing strategies and can help you get as much money out of your house as possible, while still appealing to a wide range of buyers. Second, as you ready home for the sale avoid common mistakes that can add stress and take up valuable sale time.

Five preventable mistakes to avoid when selling your home

1. Not making necessary repairs.
Unfortunately, some sellers ignore major repairs in hopes of closing the sale before anyone notices. Bad idea. If the home inspector catches detrimental damage, it will likely halt the sale until repairs or an agreement can be made. Assess any serious repairs before listing your home. While it may feel unnecessary to repair a home you are about to leave, it could help you pass inspection and get top dollar on your property.

2. Not preparing your house for showings.
Your home is likely to be filled with keepsakes, photographs, kitchen magnets and all of the wonderful details that make it unique to you. When prepping your home for showings, it is important to minimize bric-a-bracs and get rid of clutter from your closets, countertops and cabinets that would distract an interested buyer. Cleaning up your rooms will help them appear larger and allow buyers to envision their belonging in those spaces.

3. Unkempt yard and walkways.
Whether you are living at the home or not, you need to maintain your landscaping. Mow lawns, remove dead tree limbs, rake leaves and clean out flowerbeds. If your home is vacant, have someone tend to the yard regularly so that grass and weeds do not detract from your home’s appearance. Remember curb appeal. Buyers will likely form an opinion of your home before they even enter the front door.

4. Poor listing photos.
Listing photos can make all the difference when attracting homebuyers, most of whom begin their home-buying process online. Digital listings for even the most stunning homes will receive far fewer clicks if they are not presented with high-quality photos. As a seller, your goal is make your home look polished and quality professional photos make that possible

5. Neglected gutters and roof.
When it comes to gutters and roof issues, neglect can cause a dangerous domino effect. Overflowing gutters can damage your foundation and lead to drainage issues. Buyers do not want to see puddling water as they approach your house. The roof will be examined during the home inspection, so before putting your house on the market make any necessary repairs, or if needed, replace the roof. Water leaks are one of the top three concerns buyers have.

According to St. Petersburg RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer, you should consider these costs as an investment that will reward you with a higher value when you sell. It is also very important to set a realistic price when selling. Estelia will help guide you to a fair listing price to avoid your home languishing on the market. Buyers who see a property has been sitting for a long time will often question its integrity.

Bottom Line: If you take the time to avoid the mistakes listed here, you will position yourself toward achieving a more seamless, profitable sale – the dream of every seller!

Related Articles:
Home Pricing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Should You Fix Up Your Home or Try to Sell It As Is?

St. Petersburg Communities

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one and are thinking of selling, talk today to The Mesimer Team.