Are you Hurting your Own Sale?

It doesn't matter if you are selling insurance, cars, or appliances; making a sale takes a certain amount of talent. It's the same thing when selling a home, the problem is that most people selling aren't exactly professional salespeople. In fact, many may engage in behavior or practices that will actually harm their chances at selling their home quickly and for the right price. Let's take a look at the most common mistakes people make, mistakes that hurt their chances at a sale.

Overvaluing the property

Without doubt, the biggest problem with home owners wishing to sell is believing that their home is worth more than it actually is. They don't listen to agents, consultants, or the media. They decide on a price based on what they paid and what they believe they should sell it for.

The problem here is attracting interest from buyers in the first place. People just won't go look at a house they know to be overpriced. The solution is getting a CMA done, consulting agents, and listening to their advice.

Adversarial negotiations

The second most common thing sellers do to hurt their sale is engage in hostile, confrontational negotiations. They see the offer as insulting and take it personally, and counter as they would if they were under personal attack.

Keep in mind that negotiations are business. Don't be insulted, and keep your head.

Slow Responses

A lot of home owners are slow to get back to their agents, or the agents representing buyers, when they are contacted about the home. This is a big mistake. Buyers don't want to chase a sale, in real estate or anything else. They are about to sell their money, and it's up to you to make them comfortable.

Pay Attention to Facts

Never, ever dismiss relevant information about the property you are trying to sell. If a comparative market analysis provided by the potential buyer shows your house to be less valuable than you thought, have your own done. If those numbers line up, be prepared to lower your price.

The key thing to keep in mind is your main goal, selling your property. Look at everything you do and measure it against that goal; if they are not complementary, change what you are doing!