2) Showing Availability: Motivated sellers need to understand that being flexible in their schedule to allow potential buyers to view the home is necessary. Many times, there will even be open houses that are scheduled for weekend days that may be inconvenient for you. Being flexible and available for people to view your home will have a direct impact on the sale of your home. Try to keep things orderly and clean so that last minute showings won't seem so daunting.
3) Cluttered Space: Because homeowners have lived in the home and have made it their own, it is hard to feel the need to de-clutter, or de-personalize their home in preparation for listing it. Although it takes some time and effort, this makes a huge impact on potential buyers because it allows them to be able to visualize their furniture and their lives in that home, instead of being distracted by your personal things. Another option is to hire a home stager to help arrange your furniture and determine what can stay and what needs to be packed away. Your agent can most likely refer you to a local reputable home staging service.
4) Unpleasant Odors in the Home: Nothing will stop a potential home buyer in their tracks faster than a strong odor in the home. Whether the odors in your home come from smoking or pet urine, your agent may suggest a fresh coat of paint or new carpet ... and rightfully so! These types of situations can be a major turn off for interested parties, and if they are not addressed, it can ultimately lead to a much harder time selling your home.
5) Sellers Unwilling to Make Repairs: No homeowner wants to spend lots of money on home repairs prior to listing, but at the same time, home buyers are not anxious to move in and have to immediately spend money of repairs either. You want your home to be represented in a way that is appealing to as large of an audience as possible. In these cases, some sellers offer the buyers a credit at closing to make the necessary repairs a little easier on both parties.
6) Sellers Unwilling to Negotiate with Buyers: Deciding on a list price for the home based on current comps in the area is not an exact science. There is typically a range in which the home could be appropriately priced. You will need to work with your realtor to understand and decide on a realistic price. A sellers unwillingness to negotiate will turn away even the most serious of buyers. This may not even be with just the price of the home, but with dates, fixtures and appliances to stay with the home, repairs, etc. Sellers that are unwilling to negotiate are much less likely to find a buyer for their home.
7) Bad Photos in the MLS: Having great photos of your home on the MLS is a must! The first few days on the market will generate the most attention and you want the photos to be a great representation of your home. For your part, make sure the space is clean and free of clutter. Your agent will either take the pictures themselves or hire a real estate photographer, and it is their job to make sure the lighting is good and the pictures will capture the attention necessary to get some potential buyers interested.
8) The Home is Messy: Life is just plain busy for most people. You don't always have time to clean the sink of dishes, fold and hang the laundry, and keep bathrooms looking tidy every day. But when it comes time to sell your home, these need to be made priority. It is rare for potential buyers to be able to look past the filth and clutter and be able to envision their belongings in the home or their lives unfolding there. Make the effort to do quick clean-ups throughout the day to ensure a successful showing if one happens to pop up last minute.
9) Sellers Who Refuse to Leave During Showings: Let's cut to the chase ... the homeowner needs to leave the property while their home is being shown. A homeowner who hovers during showings makes the potential buyer nervous and unable to freely talk through their thoughts about the home. Let the agents do the talking, because they are more in tune to what the buyer is looking for in a home and they can play to those points. The features that you believe are most important may not be what is important to the buyer, so it does no good to interfere.
10) Hiring the Wrong Agent: Make sure you have done your homework on hiring a great agent. Interview a few and don't be afraid to ask questions. Pay attention to what experience they have and how they market the home for sale. Your relative or family friend may not always be the best fit for you. Go online and read reviews, call around and get referrals and schedule interviews with some highly rated agents in your area. The hard work up front will pay off with a smooth transaction!
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