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Selling Challenges in Colorado Real Estate

Common Mistakes for Sellers to Avoid

Selling your home can be an exhausting experience.  Last minute walk throughs, inconvenient calls, price adjustment and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are real concerns.  If you are not completely prepared you could end up losing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in profit.

The difference between a profitable smooth transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line.  In the majority of cases it comes down to the subtle know how of your professional.  By utilizing the knowledge of a qualified real estate professional, you’ll ensure the quick, profitable sale of your home.  The following items are designed to arm you with the knowledge to avoid 11 common mistakes that cost sellers serious money.

 1.     Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs 

It always costs you more money to sell ‘as is’ than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home.  Even minor improvements will often yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale.  I will be happy to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home.  Seemingly small fix up jobs can have quite an impact.

 2.     Not Considering Other Financing Terms

Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction.  Income level, tax benefits and current legislation are all critical factors when considering purchase terms.  Professional real estate agents are experts at home transactions and can lead you down the path that will give you the highest yield.

 3.     Provide Easy Access for Showings

Accessibility is a major key to profitability.  Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least.  However there are certain considerations to take into account:  your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale and the relationship with your agent.  The more accessible your home is, the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your asking price.  You never know if the one that couldn’t get a viewing was the one that got away. 

4.     Pricing

One critical reason to find the right professional is to make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and profitable sale.  If the property is priced too high it will sit and develop the identity of a problem property.   The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated by your agent every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return.

5.     Relying Solely on Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home

The agent who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers will always outperform agents who rely on traditional methods.  Demand around the clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability.  These services exist and should be offered on your home sale. Make sure you ask to see our Marketing portfolio.

 6.     Market Timing/Seasonal Selling

Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your professional agent continually follows trends of your home market.  They will know if the market cycle is poised to net you the most money.  Avoid believing that property sales are seasonal... property is always selling.

7.     Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes

The prospective home buyer’s first impression is the most important.  An unbelievable amount of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains, unpleasant odors... all the seemingly little things. Such as the dust bunnies and cobwebs around the front door, on the outside. Imagine you were the home buyer and clean your place from top to bottom... military style.

 8.     Wasting Time With An Unqualified Prospect

Your agent’s responsibility is to screen a prospect’s qualifications before valuable time is lost.  Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects. Without a huge generalization, these are the friends or the neighbors who know someone who wants to buy, yet that person can never seem to get the loan officer to answer the phone.

 9.     Don’t Test The Market

Never put your property on line to sell unless you are serious.  The right professional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision... you will blow the sale. Neither you nor I need a for sale sign in your front yard. What we both want and need is a SOLD sign.

 10.   Believing You are Powerless to Make a Difference

Be a part of the team!  Take an active role with your agent to see what you can do to facilitate your sale.  Networking with professional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of a home.  It’s surprising how many homes are sold this way.

 11.  Believing All Realtors are the Same-  With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, should you rely on anyone but a top producing professional? Many friends and family members have been estranged as a result of failing to meet expectations.  Your home sale is a time consuming, effort related, difficult task.  Maximize your profit by utilizing a professional.

I sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you.  If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office.  I would consider it a privilege to be of service to you!

If you would like a FREE consultation call me at our office at 303-880-5585