Busting The Myths Of Selling Your Home!
1. “All Realtors are the same when it comes to selling a house.”
FALSE!
All Realtors are NOT the same. When you decide to hire a Realtor to handle selling your largest investment for you, do your research. Your Realtor should be knowledgeable, experienced, and honest. You should be provided with a marketing plan, and an estimated net seller proceed sheet at the time that you first meet with your Realtor. Ask to see your Realtor's production report from the MLS. If you are not provided with these things, you need to interview another agent to sell your home.
2. “Choosing a Realtor that agrees to discount their commission is a GREAT idea!”
FALSE!
Cheapest is not always the best. If a Realtor is willing to give up their on paycheck in order to get your listing, why would they not be so quick to negotiate away your profit in order to get a closed deal? Hire an agent that shows you they are worth what they will earn by doing a fantastic job for you.
3. “The first impression is the most important impression”
.
TRUE!
The first impression is actually when the home is seen on the internet. Have your Realtor do a walk-through of your home with you and advise on any cosmetic changes that should be done as well as advise on any staging that can bring out highlighted features of your home. Everything will need to be show ready before those PROFESSIONAL pictures are taken and posted all over the internet for buyers to see.
4. “Giving a carpet or paint allowance is a good idea because buyers like to pick out their own style.”
FALSE!
Let's go back to #3. First impression is most important. Most buyers can't see past mauve walls or blue carpet. Especially first-time home buyers. We as humans are impatient. People want to buy a house and move in. A home that has the carpet and paint in check before the showings start will sell for more than those that offer an allowance.
5. “Smelly houses DO NOT SELL!”
TRUE! SO TRUE!
The two biggest turn offs to a buyer is the smell of pet odor or cigarettes. If you smoke, make smoking outside a new habit. If you have smoked inside your home, you will most likely need a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceilings. Window treatments will need washed with a special odor elimination fluid you can find at Lowe's or Home Depot and carpets will need professionally cleaned. If carpet has pet damage, it will need replaced. The subflooring will need KILLZ applied before new carpet is installed so that the odor doesn't break through the new carpet. Don't try to over compensate with air fresheners. Buyers pick up on this too quickly! Some plug ins throughout the house are always good. Something vanilla or a fragrance of something baked like cookies or an apple pie.
6. “You should do all needed repairs before listing your home for sale.”
TRUE!
A buyer will have a home inspection done. The least number of items that show up on that report the better. We don't want a buyer to be overwhelmed with a list of 25 things that need done to the house they are buying. Besides, repairs being done before hand will leave a good thought with the buyer in knowing that the home has been well cared for.
7. “Being present for showings is beneficial because you can provide the potential buyer with important information.”
FALSE!
A buyer will quickly walk through your home to be polite because you are there, and they will pay no attention to the details of your home. You should write down everything you love about your home and your Realtor will turn it into a personal letter to potential buyers that you can leave on the table along with your professionally made information flyers. This gives a personal touch to the potential buyer without you being in the way of their showing.
8. “My Realtor is the professional and I should follow their advice.”
TRUE!
Let's go back to #1. You have done your research and you have hired a Realtor that has knowledge and experience and you trust them. They have your best interest in mind. If they can provide you facts to support their advice, listen to your Realtor. Losing a deal over a warranty or buyer requested closing costs may end up costing you even more in the long run.
