Ten mistakes Southern Utah Home Sellers Make

Before you sell your home in St. George Utah, one of your biggest investments, you should take the time to really prepare for everything involved. Many mistakes can be made if you aren’t prepared, and many of them can cost you a bundle. Here are ten common mistakes made by sellers in Southern Utah and ways you can avoid making them.

Mistake #1: Trying to Sell Your House Yourself

There are some people who have great success trying to sell their own house, but statistics show that generally, even if you do sell your own home without a real estate agent, you will make less money than if you consulted a professional agent. It’s much like going to a lawyer for legal help or a doctor if you’re sick. A real estate agent in St. George Utah is knowledgeable about selling homes and will be able to help you with all aspects of the transacation.

Most sellers based their asking price on the amount they paid for the home or on the amount of time and money they have invested in the house over the years. Be careful when doing this because an overpriced  southern Utah house will take much longer to sell, and you will probably end up lowering the price or accepting a lower bid. Seek  professional assistant in determining your asking price to avoid over- or under-pricing your home.

Mistake #3: Not Making a Good First Impression

It’s very important for potential buyers to be immediately impressed by the appearance of your home.  You should make sure your house is thoroughly cleaned and make as many small repairs and cosmetic touch-ups as needed before putting your house on the market. Also, remember to remove personal items such as family photos, sports trophies, knick-knacks and souvenirs.  The potential buyers need to be able to envision the home as "theirs". The basic rule of thumb is that for every one hundred dollars in repairs your home needs, the buyer will reduce their offer by three to five hundred. Do everything you can to avoid losing money.

Mistake #4: Signing a Contract With No Escape Route

Some real estate agents may want you to sign a listing contract with them that doesn’t give you a way out. This means that you may find yourself stuck with an agent who isn’t doing a good job or hasn’t been able to sell your house for months. Being obligated to  the wrong agent can be a disaster, so always ask them up-front about what options you will have if you are not happy with their work, and never sign a contract that doesn’t allow you to change agents.

Mistake #5: Not Taking the First Offer Seriously

Sometimes, the first offer really is the best offer, but many sellers believe that something better will come along. This often leads to the seller accepting a lower offer later because they passed up the first one. Houses are actually easier to sell when they’re first listed, so always take that first offer seriously.  A house that has been on the market longer than normal tends to be stigmatized-"there must be something wrong with it".

Mistake #6: Staying at Home During a Showing

If you are still living in the home while you’re trying to sell it, leave the house  when your agent has scheduled a showing. Buyers may feel awkward about taking their time or about opening closets and kitchen drawers if you are shadowing their every move. Give them plenty of time to really look at your home without you; your agent will be there to make certain everything goes well.

Mistake #7: Not Knowing All of Your Rights

Real estate contracts are often very, very detailed and complex, and once you sign one, it becomes legally binding. If you aren’t careful, you can end up spending a lot of money on some of the very small items in the contract. Be sure to discuss the contract with a professional who is familiar with real estate. A good agent should explain everything to you before you sign, so you’ll know exactly what is expected of you.

Mistake #8: What is That Smell?

One of the biggest turn-offs for a buyer is a house with an unpleasant smell like cigarette smoke or pet odors. You’ll want to take care of these smells before you even list your home. Bring a friend or two over and ask them to be honest about smells in your home. If they do smell something, you want to totally eradicate that odor before the buyers start looking. Don’t just try to cover it up with perfumes or spray because, eventually, the buyers will realize what you’ve done. Really take the time to get rid of odors, don’t just hide them.

Mistake #9: Picking the Wrong Agent

Much like buying a house, selling a house can be made more frustrating if you choose the wrong real estate agent to work with. You will want to review any potential agent’s previous sales record and their marketing plan before selecting them. You will want someone who is easy to work with and competent because you will be working very closely with them.

Mistake #10: Forgetting About Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is the term used to describe grabbing a potential buyer’s interest from the moment they park their car on the curb. If you want to get a good amount for your home, you must make a good impression. Does your home need to be painted?  When you look at your home from across the street does it look dull and faded?  The front door should be especially sharp since it is the "invitation" into your home. Polish the hardware and make sure the paint is fresh and clean. Often, buyers will be turned off by a poorly maintained yard, peeling paint, or old siding. You may even lose a sell before the buyer even sees the inside of your home. Take the time to make as many small exterior repairs as possible to avoid this.

 Please feel free to call or email me, Erika Rogers, at 435-229-8801 if you have any questions regarding real estate in Southern Utah, St. George Utah, Ivins Utah, Kayenta Utah, Entrada Utah or Washington Utah.

For infomation on property in other areas check these sites out

Rhode Island Real Estate & Mortgages
http://www.homesalesri.com/
RI Real estate and mortgage lending services throughout Rhode Island. Newport,
Bristol, Warren, Portsmouth, Middletown Homes For Sale. Waterfront property. RI
Realtors. 401-293-0631