Don't make these mistakes when selling your property!
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Selling a property is a significant life event that can come with high stress and emotions. Many of us, whether intentionally or not, make mistakes that can result in a longer and more challenging selling process, lower offers, and lost opportunities. This can all occur despite our best efforts, which means understanding what mistakes to avoid might just solve half of your problems.
In this article, we'll discuss some common mistakes when selling property and provide insight on how to avoid them.
Emotional attachments
One of the most common mistakes we make when selling our property is letting our emotions get in the way. When you've lived in a home for a long time, you're bound to feel some attachment to it, which can be challenging to separate your emotions from during the selling process.
It is a business transaction
Approach it as a business transaction rather than an emotional one. Buyers will not share your emotional attachment. They want to see a space that works for them and matches their needs. So it's crucial to present the property in a way that appeals to them.
Not listening to your property practitioner
Another mistake people make when selling their property is to hire a trusted real estate agent with area experience and then not listen to their advice
Selling a property is a complex process that involves many legal, financial, and logistical steps. By working with your property practitioner, you can ensure that you have expert advice and support throughout the process.
It is a good idea to sign a sole mandate, the proper practitioner will be motivated to sell your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Open mandates often end up with many agents listing the property but no one fully invested in spending the budget on marketing it.
Setting unrealistic prices
Setting an unrealistic price is a common mistake that can significantly impact the selling process. Many sellers overestimate the value of their property and set an asking price much higher than what the market will bear. When this happens, the property may sit on the market for an extended period, and potential buyers may overlook it.
Working with a property practitioner who can provide a realistic valuation based on current market conditions is essential to avoiding this mistake.
Bad photo quality
There's perhaps nothing more unattractive to a potential buyer than bad photos, and in today's digital age, the first impression of your property is often made online. Therefore, ensuring that your property looks its best in photos is essential.
To avoid this mistake, a good property practitioner will hire a professional photographer who takes high-quality photos using a good camera and proper lighting.. Remember, you want to capture buyers' attention by allowing them to see themselves in that space. Appeal to their needs, not yours.
Neglecting to stage and declutter your home and garden
When you're selling a property, you want potential buyers to be able to visualise themselves living in your home. One of the most effective ways to do this is to stage your property as a show home.
Staging involves arranging furniture and décor to showcase your property's best features and create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. To avoid this mistake, consider hiring a professional stager or doing it yourself with the help of a property practitioner.
Cleaning the pool and neatening up the garden are essential tasks to maintain the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor living space, especially when staging.
When cleaning the pool, test the water chemistry regularly and add chemicals as needed to maintain proper balance. Don't forget to scrub the sides and floor to remove algae buildup.
When neatening up the garden, rake and remove any fallen leaves or debris from the lawn, remove any dead or ageing plants, and add fresh mulch or soil to garden beds to allow new buds to blossom.
We will release an article on tips to stage your home in the coming month, so stay tuned for more information!
Remember, with the right approach and mindset, you can present your property in the best possible light and attract potential buyers quicker if you avoid these mistakes. Be patient, flexible, and open to feedback. At the end of the day, you'll streamline this difficult process and find yourself much more willing to make the big move.
If you want to buy or sell your home, contact one of our Real Estate Property Practitioners by following the link: https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/agents/
Homes of Distinction CC holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.
Author: Bryce Anderson
