If you’re ready to sell your home, it’s important to think carefully about how you’re going to do it.
Making certain missteps along the way can derail the sale and leave you stuck in a house that no longer fits your lifestyle.
If you want to find someone who can afford to buy your house and seal the deal as quickly as possible, here are five home selling mistakes it’s wise to try to avoid.
SEE ALSO: 3 reasons it's better to buy than rent, from a woman who bought her first home at 21
1. Overvaluing the home
What you list your home for and what buyers are actually willing to pay for it are two very different things. Just because you’ve spent thousands of dollars on renovations, for example, doesn’t mean you’re going to get the kind of return you’re counting on.
If you get an offer from a buyer that’s less than your asking price, there’s no need to panic. Getting a second opinion from your real estate agent on how the home should be priced can give you an idea of whether the buyer’s offer is a fair deal.
2. Refusing to negotiate
There’s a certain amount of negotiation that goes on in the home buying process. For instance, the buyer may want you to pay a percentage of the closing costs or vacate the property by a certain date. If you’re adamant about not giving an inch for normal requests or contingencies, the buyer may decide to back out.
While you’re not expected to give in to everything the buyer wants, it’s a good idea to at least be willing to compromise on some things.
3. Skipping out on repairs
Buyers are advised to get a home inspection before heading to settlement and sometimes minor issues show up. It’s up to you and the buyer to decide whether you’ll make the repairs or offer a cash credit but either way, repairs can’t be ignored. If you can’t be bothered to replace a few roof shingles or fix a cracked window seal, you might have to say goodbye to the buyer.
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