What Not to Do When Selling Your Home

Selling A Home Can Be a Complicated Process

2022-06-12Updated: 2024-02-28 Kurt Zerby Real Estate Group




Selling your home can be a complicated process. As you prepare, here are a few things that can ensure you find yourself in the greatest position of strength as you sell your property.

  1. Don’t overprice your home
    This is a very common mistake. People see and hear of increasing home prices and figure, “What the heck? Let’s go for it!”, not realizing the harm it can do. Overpricing your home reflects on your credibility as a seller and can be perceived negatively by the market, pushing buyers away. As you decide on this critical piece of your selling journey, do your homework, consult professionals, and price your home correctly to attract the right buyers for a successful sale.

  2. Don’t over-improve your home
    While making your home more marketable can seem wise, finding a balance is key. Enhance your home's appeal without overspending on improvements that won’t yield a return. Ask yourself, “Where will I get the most bang for my buck?” Fresh paint, for example, can yield a significant ROI. Keeping this concept in mind as you prepare your home for sale sets you on the right path.

  3. Not getting a good agent
    In today's market, having a skilled navigator can be your best decision. A seasoned agent knows how to prepare and align you from the start, ensuring a smooth process and satisfactory results. They'll manage the details and help you understand the pros and cons of various options. A good agent ensures you're taken seriously, a significant advantage when selling or buying a home.

  4. Don’t under-improve or fail to improve your home
    Overlooking chaos, like a cluttered basement, can have severe consequences. Neglect, such as an unkempt garage, leads buyers to wonder what else is poorly maintained. Address small issues like a leaking faucet or a fallen curtain to avoid giving buyers reasons not to purchase your home.

  5. Don’t clutter up your home
    A cluttered environment is a massive distraction and can detract from your home's appeal. Ensure your home is the star of the show during showings by highlighting its strengths and minimizing distractions. Store away personal collections to showcase built-in features effectively.

  6. Don’t restrict showings of your home
    Restricting showings reduces the number of potential buyers. Being flexible as a seller increases your chances of finding the right buyer and solidifying a deal. The more people who see your home, the better your opportunities for a successful sale.

  7. Not knowing where you’re going to go next
    Selling your home without a plan for your next move can lead to challenges. Be prepared for a competitive market once your home sells. Having an experienced agent can be invaluable in lining up your next move before you find yourself without a house.

  8. Don’t personalize the sale
    It's important to detach emotionally from your home during the sale. Personalizing the sale can limit buyer interest. Work with your agent to understand these boundaries and market your home in a way that maximizes your benefits.

  9. Don’t accept an offer from an unqualified buyer
    Accepting an offer from an unqualified buyer can lead to delays and frustrations. Ensure your buyer is pre-approved and working with a respected agent to facilitate a smooth transaction.

  10. Don’t show the home yourself
    It's best to let your agent handle home showings. What you consider strengths may not align with the buyer's preferences. An agent can effectively present your home in line with the buyer's objectives.

We hope you find the above tips valuable as you align yourself for a successful home or property sale. Partnering with an experienced real estate agent, coupled with a bit of preparation and strategy, can prove invaluable on your real estate journey.

Kurt Zerby has been a leading agent in Cañon City, Colorado Real Estate for over four decades. His commitment to the community and each person he works with is truly unrivaled. Kurt aims to exceed expectations every time and build a client for life with each successful real estate deal.

If you’d like to learn more about Kurt, his services, and how he can help you on your real estate journey, call us