Selling your home can be a challenging and emotional time
for home sellers. It takes an experienced REALTOR® to guide you through, a cool
head, and a large dose of perspective. Here are 5 mistakes that home sellers
often make which may jeopardize the successful sale of their home.
Mistake #1: Don’t make the effort to fix things that break.
It’s unfortunate, but it does happen. If a fixture or system breaks when the home is about to be purchased, sellers must make the repairs and let the buyers know. If you fail to maintain the home, buyers will most likely lose confidence in the condition of the home and back out of the sale.
Mistake #2: Don’t use licensed contractors
Don’t cut corners if repairs have been agreed to. Using a licensed contractor to make repairs is usually in the best interest of both the buyer and the seller. They are bonded and insured, and their work is usually backed by some kind of warranty. Using a contractor is in everyone’s best interest to keep the home sale on track and alleviate future problems that may arise.
Mistake #3: Ignore Contingencies.
Contingencies have deadlines. If you don’t meet contracted deadlines, the contract becomes voidable. Do not assume that you can extend the contract; buyers might just walk away. Pay attention to when the deadlines are and leave a buffer for problems that may come up.
Mistake #4: Become rigid about further negotiations.
Remain flexible throughout the transaction. Problems may show up during the home inspection that need to be addressed, or the appraisal may come in under the contract price. It is wise to remember that negotiations aren’t over until the documents are signed and the keys are delivered.
Mistake #5: Hide liens from the buyers.
Did you forget to mention that you owe six months of HOA fees or that there is a tax lien on your home? A title search is going to turn up any liens filed on your home. To sell your house, you have to pay of the lien. Disclosing everything fully from the beginning is your best opportunity to find out what solutions are available to make your home sale possible.
In a perfect world, no one will run into any of these
issues, but it helps to go into the home selling process with an open mind and
information about the many things that could possibly go wrong. Selling your
home is a stressful experience so it always helps to have realistic expectations
from the start; This way, when the unexpected happens, you have a game plan to
help get you to the finish line.
Angela Barrett, "A Different Kind of Real Estate"
Angela Barrett is a local REALTOR® in Lexington, SC. Every day, she has the privilege of working with Buyers and Sellers around and on Lake Murray - Lexington, Gilbert, Chapin, and Irmo. It is her goal to help every buyer find the perfect home, and every seller sell at the best price possible. Exit Real Estate Consultants opened its doors in 2008 and has been the local expert since. Angela says, "she works with a wonderful group at EXIT and is proud to be a REALTOR® for a company that prides itself on being a "family helping families."
What makes Angela different from other Realtors is her desire to combine a love of real estate with the truth. She may not always tell you what you want to hear but will ALWAYS tell you what you need to hear. Before getting into the real estate industry, she owned her own court reporting business for 14 years. She decided to change careers because it was her desire to help others with their housing needs in a way that was honest and truthful, a way that put their needs ahead of the sale. Her business is built on Dedication, Communication, Determination & Trust while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to all of her client's Real Estate needs. She says the best part of her business is the people she meets and the ability to assist them throughout the process. Her goal is not only finding the hidden gem or selling at the right price but giving her clients peace of mind that they will work together through every detail.
Angela showcases her homes on her website and utilizes professional service providers to assist with her clients' buying and selling needs, including tips for staging and recommendations for painters, designers, handymen, and inspectors. She is communicative, thorough, and detail-oriented, and she'll be with you every step of the way!
Angela made Lexington home 28 years ago. She is knowledgeable about the area and feels blessed to call Lexington her home. Angela enjoys showing her clients around “Miss Murray”, the Jewel of South Carolina, and when she’s not helping someone with their real estate needs, she enjoys going to the gym, running, spending time on Lake Murray, and a little photography.
Looking to buy or sell a home in the Lake Murray area? Call Angela Barrett, who not only represents “A Different Kind of Real Estate" but also a different kind of REALTOR®.
View all posts by Angela Barrett, Realtor ExitREC
