5 Ways Sellers Sabotage Their Own Sale

Are you selling a home? If so, you need to know that you could be your worst enemy.

Many home sellers are surprised to learn that they are the ones sabotaging their ability to sell their homes quickly and for a good price. When you're selling your home, make sure you avoid these mistakes that could hinder your home's sale and push buyers away. 

1. Having Too High of an Opinion About Your Home
   Your home is naturally something you should be proud of. You've probably spent a good amount of time and money getting it exactly how you want it, and in your eyes, it shines. However, if you think your home is worth more because it's so special, you are mistaken. Sometimes those personal touches that make the home special to you are not impressive to the buyer. Make sure you talk to your real estate agent about what your home is really worth and what "special touches" are actually deterrents to a potential sale.
   
   
2. Trying to Hide Issues from Buyers
   If you had a roof leak that left water damage in the attic, it's going to come out on the inspection. Don't try to hide it. When the inspector finds these things, buyers will wonder what else you are hiding. This can cause a buyer, even one that loves the house, to feel like walking away from the home. Disclose everything you can.
   
   
3. Assuming You'll Get a Second Chance
   When you have a call to do a showing on your home, have the showing, no matter how busy you are. You have no guarantee that you'll get a second chance with that buyer. It doesn't matter how bad your day is, if someone wants to look at your home, make every possible effort to let them do so. If you don't, they'll look at a different home, and you will miss the opportunity to have a perspective buyer touring your property with the hopes of having a successful sale.
   
   
4. Not Cleaning Well
   Cobwebs, pet hair, ring-around-the-tub — all of these can sabotage a sale. If you want to sell your home quickly and for a good price, it needs to shine. Make sure you are cleaning it well. Consider renting a storage facility to place some items in while your home is on the market so you don't have as much clutter in your home. The cleaner and more open your home feel, the better it will show. The better your home shows, the faster it will sell.
   
   
5. Ignoring the Yard
   Finally, don't ignore your home's exterior when preparing it to sell. The yard, both front and back, is going to be an important selling point for your property. Give it a little TLC. There's no need to go overboard with landscaping, but make sure the landscaping and plants you do have look nice and add some interest to the front yard with color and flower pots.

Selling your home can be a stressful time, and this is definitely a process you want to see come to a fast conclusion. By avoiding these five common problems, you will have much greater success selling your home quickly because you won't be standing in your own way!

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