Stopping home seller sabotage

Kids are back in school, which heralds the close of Orlando’s traditional spring/summer home-buying rush. While Orlando is currently experiencing low inventory, sellers who choose to take advantage of fall selling conditions are faced with a drop in the numbers of potential buyers. Here are a few things for sellers to avoid doing to prevent sabotaging the sale!

1. Failing to utilize the services of a Realtor

Realtors typically perform more than 170 tasks and activities on behalf of their seller clients, in such areas as marketing, negotiating, and closing. In addition, the National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reveals that the median price of homes sold with the Realtor assistance was 17 percent higher than the median price of homes sold without the Realtor assistance.

1. Overestimating the home’s value

A home that’s overpriced based on the owner’s belief rather than true market value can discourage buyers from even viewing the home, especially during that crucial two-week period following listing. Realtors have reams of data and calculators at their fingertips to help them arrive at an appropriate listing price.

1. Failing to remove clutter and personal items

Rooms show best (and biggest) without unnecessary furnishings and personal items. The goal is to enable buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

1. Failing to make the home sparkling clean

Nothing turns buyers off like grime, odor, and general dinginess. Clean everything! And if you can’t afford to repaint, wash even those grubby walls and doors.

1. Failing to freshen landscaping

Neatly trimmed bushes, fresh mulch, and a colorful pot of flowers work wonders on that all-important first impression. Repainting (or washing) the front door and pressure cleaning the driveway and sidewalks are other simple tasks that provide eye-catching results.

1. Failing to make repairs,

Especially small, inexpensive honey-do’s that contribute to the overall feel of the home is another thing often overlooked. Making as many repairs as your budget allows will pay off when potential buyers are not put off by the amount of time or money they would need to bring the home up to speed.

1. Failing to disclose known defects

If you know of an issue in your home, write it down on the disclosure form provided by your Realtor. Nothing is too small to disclose, and failing to disclose is a serious breach of real estate law that can undermine the sale or worse.