Avoid Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

Selling your home can be an exhausting experience. Last minute walk throughs, inconvenient calls, price adjustment and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are real concerns. If you are not completely prepared you could end up losing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in profit.

The difference between a profitable smooth transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line. In the majority of cases it comes down to the subtle know how of your professional. By utilizing the knowledge of a well-trained real estate professional, you'll ensure the quick, profitable sale of your home. This report is designed to arm you with the knowledge to avoid 11 common mistakes that cost sellers serious money.

  1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs
    It always costs you more money to sell 'as is' than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home. Even minor improvements will often yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale. Your agent will be able to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home. Seemingly small fix up jobs can have quite an impact.

  2. Not Considering Other Financing Terms
    Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction. Income level, tax benefits and current legislation are all critical factors when considering purchase terms. Professional Real Estate are experts at home transactions and can lead you down the path that will give you the highest yield.

  3. Provide Easy Access for Showings
    Accessibility is a major key to profitability. Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least. However there are certain considerations to take into account: your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale and the relationship with the person representing your interests. The more accessible your home is, the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your asking price. You never know if the one that couldn't get a viewing was the one that got away. By developing a trusting relationship with an investor, he or she will show the home with your best interests in mind. Yes, we know that you have to live your life! But do you want to sell your home?  Sellers need to try to keep their home "show ready". This makes the process so much easier on everyone. We recommend access Lock Box Showings. However, individual circumstances are always considered by us. Under certain circumstances, it is beneficial to have your agent present during the showings of your property. We are always ready to consider your requests and circumstances.

  4. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High
    One critical reason to find an experienced professional real estate professional is to make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and profitable sale. If the property is priced too high it will sit and develop the identity of a problem property. If it's priced too low it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated by your representaive every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return. We always provide a "sellers net" sheet to our sellers when we list the property, when we get an offer and when we have a fully executed agreement with a purchaser. Please be certain on your initial interview with an agent that they provide this for you without you inquiring.  This lets you absolutely know that the agent that you are interviewing has your interests in mind. Some experienced agents do not have a clue how to give you an estimate of your proceeds!

  5. Relying Solely on Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home
    The real estate professional who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers will always outperform those who rely on traditional methods. Demand around the clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability. These services exist and should be offered on your home sale.

  6. Market Timing/Seasonal Selling
    Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your real estate professional continually follows trends of your home market. They will know if the market cycle is poised to net you the most money. Avoid believing that property sales are seasonal.. property is always selling.

  7. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes
    The prospective home buyer's first impression is the most important. Hundreds of thousands of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains, unpleasant odors... all the seemingly little things. Imagine you were the home buyer and clean your place from top to bottom... military style. Examine the front exterior of your home very carefully. Are there mud dobber nests or cobwebs on the ceiling of the exterior entrance?  Is the concrete cracked?  Is there peeling paint? Is the front door an old and out dated color? These are very important things for you to consider, as we can never erase that first impression of your home. While the showing agent is opening the lock box, the prospect is looking at all of these items!
  8. Wasting Time With An Unqualified Prospect
    Your representative's responsibility is to screen a prospect's qualifications before valuable time is lost. Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects.

  9. Don't Test The Market
    Never put your property on line to sell unless you are serious. The right professional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision... you will blow the sale.

  10. Believing You are Powerless to Make a Difference
    Be a part of the team! Take an active role with your real estate professional to see what you can do to facilitate your sale. Networking with professional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of a home. It's surprising how many homes are sold this way.  However, it is inappropriate for sellers to call showing agents directly for information concerning the showing or the prospects. That is one of the responsibilities of your listing agent. Whenever we receive a call from another agents seller, we always refer the seller back to their listing agent. That professional should be following up with the showing agents and gaining insights into the showing. It is unethical for an agent to not refer the seller back to the listing agent/broker. If that agent does not do so, it is a huge indicator that she or he is untrustworthy or just inexperienced in the real estate market place.

  11. Believing All Realtors, Brokers & Others are the Same
    With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, should you rely on anyone but an experienced real estate investment professional? Your home sale is a time consuming, effort related, difficult task. Maximize your profit by utilizing an experienced, successful real estate professional. We have your best interests at heart. We pledge that we will do the best professional job that is possible for you. We enjoy working as a TEAM with our sellers.

Maggie & Stuart Hastings-Michael Saunders & Company-Licensed Real Estate Broker 8325 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Phone: Cell: Fax:

Results for You | Why Choose Us | Contact Us! | Curb Appeal | Setting Sales Price | Getting Highest Price | Free Valuation | Find A Home! | Nearby Hotels | River Club Info | Mistakes Can Cost $'s | CRS Designation | LWR Country Club Golf | Manatee Schools | Sellers Pricing Info | About Us | Community | LWR Schools | Rent While Building | Info. & Utility Numbers | About Lakewood Ranch | House Watching | Lakewood Ranch Story | Sarasota Area Tour | Testimonials | MichaelSaunders.com | Buyers Agent | Want to Sell? | Home | Staging List | Multiple Listing Search | 9 Steps to Owning | Mold in the Home | The Kitchen | Ethical Agents

Copyright © 2010 Maggie & Stuart Hastings-Michael Saunders & Company-Licensed Real Estate Broker
Portions Copyright © 2010 a la mode, inc.
Another XSite by a la mode, inc. | Admin LoginTerms of UseSite Map
All rate, payment, and area information are estimates and approximations only.