By far, the largest single mistake Sellers make, be they selling their home themselves or through an Agent, is over pricing their home.
I realize, by being a Realtor®, my objectivity might be questioned. The perception is that I, in my desire to get your home sold the first minute it\'s listed, want you to under price it and will do or say just about anything to get you to price it low.
The reality is however, the future of my personal business depends on your POSITIVE word of mouth advertising, and industry statistics bear this fact out. My true goal is simply to price it PROPERLY.
Another mistake; how Sellers choose an Agent to list their home.
This statement, of course, assumes the Sellers utilized an Agent or Realtor® in their sale. And N.A.R. (National Association of Realtors®) statistics say that 83% of the time a Realtor® is involved in the sale.
So how do Sellers choose?
Some of the ways are; selecting the Agent that says your home is worth more than other Agents say, the Agent was a neighbor, a person in our club, a relative or relatives spouse, the Agent on the sign or the Agent standing in that open house.
Or of course, what their commission or fee is.
The things all these "methods" have in common is none of them address in any way the ability, service or services you can expect to get from the Agent or the Agents company.
That\'s not to say you might not stumble across a good Agent, but if you\'re reading this, you\'re desire is to be a more educated Seller and/or Buyer (Please read How to Select an Agent). Yet another mistake, under appreciating the effect of cosmetics on Buyers.
Buyers ARE overly influenced by paint color, over grown landscaping, clutter, even a home being dusty. This affects the number of showings, offers and ultimately the sale price (see Getting your Home Ready for Sale).
Finally, trying to sell your home yourself.
I know, I know, he\'s a Realtor®, you can expect him to say that. Believe me, the only reason I say it is statistics bear it out, and you as a Seller should know what you might be thinking about getting yourself into.
Statistics say more than 50% of the people who attempt to sell their home themselves list with a Realtor® within 30 days.
The following are some of the reasons for those numbers.