Selling a home can be intimidating, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. The whole process is also littered with pitfalls and obstacles, especially for those who have never done it before. It’s easy for first-time (and even experienced) sellers to make mistakes – sometimes very costly ones. To help you avoid those mistakes, here are 5 things sellers need to be aware of when listing their homes in Downey.
1. Emotions Cause Problems
The first thing [market-city] sellers need to be aware of when listing their homes is that letting emotion rule can cause problems. It’s easy to have a strong emotional attachment to the house you’ve lived in for years, particularly if it was your first home. But you must set your emotions aside and take an objective look at it from the buyer’s point of view.
Also, try to see it as a purely financial transaction, as a business deal. Don’t get upset if a buyer makes a ridiculously low offer or doesn’t like what you think are the home’s best features. Listing and selling require a cool head and an objective eye. The best thing to do is to let your agent guide you through the process. To find out how call 562-881-9811.
2. You Can’t Price Unrealistically
Similarly, you simply can’t price unrealistically, which is often a result of emotional attachment. Pricing appropriately and in accord with fair market value is a must for seLLers listing their homes in Downey.
When you price way too high and expect to come down later, it usually backfires. Your home will languish on the market unsold. And then when you drop the price, people will assume something is wrong with IT because it’s been on the market so long. And then it will take even longer to sell – if it sells at all.
A better course is to allow your agent to perform a comparative market analysis to determine fair market value. Then you can list at a price for a quick sale at an amount that still gets you close to what you need.
3. Preparation Is More Important Than You Think
Another important thing sellers need to be aware of when listing their homes in Downey is that preparation is more important than most people think. Buyers will be looking for flaws, so you have to have everything in tip-top shape to make your home as appealing as possible – before you list it.
You will certainly need to declutter and deep clean. Then you will most likely need to make at least minor repairs and upgrades. Hiring a professional stager is also a good idea.
Industry pros recommend having a friend or your agent, someone with a fresh pair of eyes, point out all the things that need work. After living in the home for years you’ve grown accustomed to the flaws and just don’t notice them.
4. You Must Have Plenty of Quality Listing Photos
Sellers need to be aware when listing their homes in Downey of the importance of plenty of professional-quality listing photos. Most buyers now do the bulk of their home shopping online, and those listing photos are what grabs them.
Top-quality listing photos from many angles will make your home stand out from the competition. Hiring a professional photographer will likely more than pay for itself in a quicker sale at a better price.
5. An Agent Is Your Best Bet
A final thing sellers need to be aware of when listing their homes in Downey is that using an agent is the best course for most people. Your agent will help with pricing, take care of marketing, vetting potential buyers, negotiate a better deal, and guide you through the whole process. Without an agent, you’ll have to do all this on your own. Find out today how agents can help you achieve your home-selling goals. Just give us a call at 562-881-9811 or send us a message.