What NOT To Do When Selling

There are a lot of opinions out there about what to do when you’re getting ready to sell your house. There are also plenty of things you should NOT do. Here are a few:

•  Do NOT offer an allowance

Don’t offer buyers an allowance to fix problems in exchange for a sale. “This will send buyers on a hunt to find more problems with your house,” says Glenn Elliot, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “You don’t want that.” Correct them yourself and earn a higher selling price.

•  Do NOT assume staging is expensive

Basic staging can be achieved at a minimal cost. “It’s really pretty affordable,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty. “Plus, you can often write professional staging off in your taxes as a cost of doing business when you sell.”

• Do NOT test the waters

Some sellers will do the bare minimum in pre-sale prep and list quickly just to see how the market responds. “Don’t do this,” says Glenn. “If your house doesn’t sell in the first 30 days, buyers will assume something is wrong with it.”

•  Do Not Overestimate

Don’t overestimate the value of repairs or renovations you did years ago. “You can’t get top dollar for a house that’s no longer up to date,” says Darby Metzger.

•  Do NOT remain attached

Your décor may not be a buyer’s cup of tea. Don’t remain attached to your personal effects. “Take down the photos of your kids, clear the magnets off the fridge,” says Glenn.

•  Do NOT give up

“The right buyer is out there,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty. “Don’t give up just because they don’t show up right away.”

For more help figuring out what not to do when selling your home, contact Glenn Elliot or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty by calling 201-939-7500.