| Many home sellers list and sell their homes in haste. | | | | that could be a warning sign that the agent under |
| Sometimes they get lucky and pick a great listing | | | | values the selling price. Of course, under-priced houses |
| agent to help them. Knowledgeable agents guide the | | | | sell right away! |
| home seller through the process to a successful sale. | | | | Mistake #4 - Signing a six month listing. Most houses |
| On the other hand, some home sellers get talked into | | | | go up in value. If your home sits on the market, it might |
| listing their home by a high-pressure agent or the home | | | | need more sizzle or aggressive advertising to |
| seller lists with well-meaning family member or friend | | | | generate offers. A long listing gives agents too much |
| who plays at real estate. | | | | time and takes the pressure off. |
| To get the most from your home sale--in profits, | | | | Mistake #5 - Letting the agent talk you into lowering |
| protection, and yes--enjoyment, avoid these mistakes | | | | your sales price or accepting an offer for a lot less |
| that can lose you money. | | | | than asking price. Just because your home didn't sell |
| Mistake #1 - Listing your home without making a | | | | right away doesn't automatically mean that the price is |
| marketing plan. Your home is most likely your most | | | | too high. Remember, it only takes ONE buyer to fall in |
| valuable asset. Think of your property like a business | | | | love with your home. |
| investment. "Market" your home like a business. Write | | | | Mistake #6 - Letting agent's show your home without |
| out a business plan for your home sale. | | | | staging the setting. If you can't be home to turn on the |
| Mistake #2 - Listing your home before you get it ready | | | | lights, air the home out, and make sure everything is |
| to show. Too many home sellers make a snap | | | | perfect, make sure you choose an agent willing to |
| decision to sell and immediately list their home before | | | | follow your list of things to do prior to showing and that |
| they prepare the property for selling. Besides deep | | | | the agent will open the home for showing. Just letting |
| cleaning and decluttering, you must make your home | | | | other agents use a lock box can cost you lost dollars. |
| stand out so home shoppers choose your home over | | | | Mistake #7 - Selling the home without proper legal |
| competing homes for sale. | | | | protection. You or your listing agent must understand all |
| Mistake #3 - Accepting a listing agent's market | | | | the disclose statements, contracts, and contingencies. |
| evaluation without checking your competition. Don't | | | | Some savvy real estate agents even hire another |
| accept the first agent's market evaluation without | | | | listing agent just to protect themselves with all the |
| doing your homework. Sometimes the best selling | | | | complex documents. You don't want to be a party to |
| agent gets that distinction because they list houses | | | | a lawsuit and lose money after your home is sold. |
| low. If you hear "My listings always sell right away," | | | | Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. |