Selling a house is a lot like taking a final exam. You’ve spent time preparing, you’re hopeful for a great outcome, but there are pitfalls along the way that could easily throw you off track. If you’re in Ohio and considering selling your house, there are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to steer clear of. Think of this blog as your study guide for acing the home-selling process.
Overpricing Your Property: The Designer Coffee Fallacy
We all know that designer coffee shops charge more than your average diner. The ambiance, branding, and experience might make the price seem justifiable. But when it comes to your house, an inflated price tag can deter potential buyers. Just like how a $6 latte isn’t for everyone, an overpriced house will limit your audience. Research comparable sales in your area and consider a professional appraisal.
Learn how to price your property right
Neglecting Repairs: The Smartphone Analogy
Imagine selling a smartphone with a cracked screen. You might find a buyer, but they’ll likely demand a substantial discount. The same principle applies to your home. Minor repairs can make a massive difference. A leaky faucet or peeling paint might seem trivial but can give buyers the impression of a poorly maintained property. It’s the tiny cracks on the screen that can shatter your sale prospects.
Poor Staging: The Instagram Filter Conundrum
Think of home staging as the Instagram filter for your property. It enhances what’s already there, making everything look its best. Poorly staged homes, or not staging at all, is like posting a low-quality, unfiltered photo amidst a feed of well-curated images. It just doesn’t attract the likes—or in the case of your house, the bids.
Discover top staging tips for your home sale
Bad Photography: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Viewers
Listing photos are to house sales what album covers are to musicians. A poorly shot and unflattering photo can drastically reduce the number of prospective buyers. You don’t need an Annie Leibovitz-level photographer, but investing in quality real estate photography can ensure your listing doesn’t get scrolled past.
Ignoring Market Timing: The Farmer’s Almanac for Home Sales
Farmers don’t plant crops without consulting the season and weather forecasts. Similarly, timing can significantly impact your home sale. Each market has its high and low seasons. While selling during a peak period might not always be feasible, understanding the best times to sell in Ohio can help you make an informed decision.
Understand the Ohio real estate market trends
No Pre-listing Inspection: The Pre-emptive Strike
It’s the equivalent of proofreading an essay before submitting it. A pre-listing inspection can identify potential issues that might stall a sale during the buyer’s inspection period. Addressing these issues in advance helps ensure a smoother, faster sale.
Lack of Online Presence: Your Digital Front Yard
In today’s digital age, not having an online listing is like not having a front yard. More than 90% of buyers start their home search online. Utilize social media, virtual tours, and online listings to create an appealing digital front yard for your property.
Learn how to leverage online platforms for your sale
Overlooking the Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count
The exterior of your house serves as the book cover for your property. Neglecting the curb appeal can result in fewer viewings. Make a great first impression by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and perhaps adding a splash of color with some seasonal flowers.
Not Considering a Cash Sale: The Speed Pass on the Real Estate Highway
A cash sale is like having an express pass at a theme park. You skip the long lines (or in this case, long closing times) and get right to the good stuff. Selling your house for cash can expedite the whole process and eliminate many common hiccups.
Uncover the benefits of selling your house for cash
Rejecting Early Offers: The Bird-in-Hand Principle
There’s wisdom in the saying, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Holding out for a better offer can sometimes leave you empty-handed. If you receive an offer that meets your minimum expectations, consider taking it seriously.
By avoiding these mistakes, you set yourself up for a smoother, more profitable home-selling journey. Think of it as nailing that final exam on the first try.
