Top 10 mistakes when preparing a home for sale



If you have been through the home selling process in the past, you know that it can be a time consuming and emotionally challenging. RE/MAX agents are trained real estate professionals and help sellers avoid the top 10 mistakes when preparing a home for sale.

During the home selling process, strangers will look around closets and cabinets; they will criticize the home that has become more then four walls to the seller. As a result of the common mistakes, buyers will offer less than what the seller thinks their home is worth.

RE/MAX agents are trained on all aspects related to our industry. Choosing to work under the RE/MAX name will ensure that you are working with the #1 real estate brokerage. We are number one for a reason and we are proud of the work we do

When it comes time for a client to sell their home, we work together with them to help them get their home sold quickly and for the best price possible. In order to do this, we work with the sellers and help them avoid the top 10 mistakes when preparing a home for sale

Top 10 mistakes when preparing a home for sale:

1. Neglecting repairs and maintenance

Buyers are always looking for the best deal. Making sure that all necessary repairs and maintenance are done will help sellers eliminate the buyer’s negative checklist.

RE/MAX agents have access to and can provide sellers with checklists that will help them prepare their home sale.

2. Not depersonalizing

Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home they are in. To help them achieve this vision, sellers should remove all distractions by packing away all personal photos and collectables.

This process will help buyers envision a home as their own and not someone else’s.

3. Not removing odors

Just like in all aspects of life, we have only one chance to make a great first impression. The same goes for a home.

If buyers walk into a home and smell smoke, pets or strong cooking odors, they may be turned off. As a result, they will either cross the home off their list or reduce their offer price

4. Refusing to disconnect emotionally

Once sellers have made the decision to sell their home, it is best to think of themselves as a businessperson and a home seller rather than a homeowner.

By looking at the transaction from the purely financial perspective, sellers will distance themselves from the emotional aspects of selling a property in which they have undoubtedly created many memories.

5. Spot cleaning vs. “Q-tip” clean

A home’s first impression is a lasting one. Dirty homes are a big turn off for buyers.

RE/MAX agents provide suggestions to sellers make their home shine in order show potential buyers that the home has been well maintained.

6. Not showing a room’s proper function

Buyers can have a hard time visualizing how furniture can fit into a room.

RE/MAX agents work with staging professionals. Our working relationships with professionals relating to our industry help sellers sell their home faster and for the best price possible.

7. Not having enough light

Poorly lit rooms can be a turnoff for most buyers, especially during evenings or overcast days. Dark corners can make a room feel smaller.

RE/MAX agents are trained to advise sellers on how to improve the lighting in their home and when it is the best time to do a showing.

8. Not investing money in updates

Today’s buyers are willing to spend the extra money to get an updated and well maintained home that is in move-in ready condition. Investing in a home will increase equity and help sell the home faster and for more money.

9. Ignoring professional advice

When it comes to selling a home, it’s in the seller’s best interest to take the advice of the experts.

RE/MAX agent knows how to price a home so it will sell quickly and for the best possible price.

Also, RE/MAX agents work with a team of professionals such as home stagers and inspectors.

10. Listing before staging or renovations

Most buyers who are interested in a home will view it within the first two weeks after listing. Therefore, making sure a home is ‘model home’ ready will increase the chances of selling a home quickly.

Most of the common mistakes above can be corrected without spending a lot of money.

RE/MAX agents are trained to conduct business in a professional manner. Working with a RE/MAX agent will help sellers avoid the top 10 mistakes when preparing a home for sale.

Selecting RE/MAX as your brokerage will take your business Above The Crowd.

For more information on how to become part of the Be Your Career | RE/MAX team visit our website www.beyourcareer.ca.

  • Spread the word