Common Sales Errors
1. Choosing the Wrong Agent
Trust is key when selecting your agent. You need to feel secure that your agent is competent, knowledgeable, and will aggressively and successfully market your home resulting in a top price with a smooth sale. Take the time to interview your agent. Ask about a marketing plan, determine their level of comittment to selling your home.
2. Inaccurate Pricing
All sellers want to get the top price for their home. However, listing your home too high can actually result in a lower sales price and a very disappointed seller. It’s extremely important that the home is priced right from the beginning, as all homes have the greatest exposure to buyers as soon as they hit the market. When your property is perceived as overpriced, it is often overlooked and eventually leads to a price reduction. Homes that have been on the market longer than normal and are Price Reduced can lead buyers to negotiate more because they see the sellers as "desperate". Often times over priced homes sell for less than they would, had they been priced accurately from the beginning.
3. Using Re-finance Appraisals to Determine Market Value
Re-finance appraisals can be misleading for homeowners. Often encouraged by the amount of the appraisal they determine the properties sales value. Lenders can actually estimate a higher value of your property to encourage re-financing your home. The market value of your home is determined not only by what your home is currently worth- but also by what buyers are paying for similar homes in your area. This number is not always congruent with the refinance appraisal. In order to accurately determine Market Value, talk with a trusted Real Estate Agent to get up to date information on recent property sales in our neighborhood.
4. Limited Marketing
There are two wildly popular marketing techniques used to sell every home: open houses and a cheap classified ad in a local real estate magazine. It’s interesting that the chances of selling your home this way are less than 3%. In fact most agents doing Open Houses are using your house as bait to attract future buyers, not to sell your home! A successful 
Real estate agent should employ a diverse variety of marketing tools and should be committed to selling your home. Make sure your agent is full time and available to answer every caller who’s interested in your home. Many agents are part time and often miss calls from potential buyers.
5. Poor Home Presentation
This mistake is easy to avoid, yet is often not addressed. Your home needs to look as appealing as possible to potential buyers. They need to be able to imagine their family and their belongings in your comfortable spacious home. Make necessary repairs without investing too much money in the wrong things. Keep you home neat and tidy as buyers could be coming anytime. Make sure furniture and features seem functional and eye appealing. Remove excessive knick knacks and other clutter.
6. Trying too Hard to Sell
Buying a home is an extremely emotional process. Be friendly and welcoming when potential buyers are reviewing your home. Allow the buyers freedom to comfortably examine your property and talk openly about their thoughts. Don’t push, or follow them from room to room. Be helpful, answer questions and point out amenities that have gone unnoticed. Remember, your agent is your advocate and the most qualified person to negotiate on your behalf.
7. Trying to Sell to Browsers
Not all individuals who come to look at your home are actually interested in buying it. Curiousity is often peaked when people see a for sale or open house sign in your neighborhood. Buyers who come on their own, without a real estate agent are usually months away from actually buying a home. They may still have to sell their house, or not even be able to afford your house. They may be undecided about moving for sure. Your Real Estate Agent will separate the buyers with the most potential, from those that are just browsing. Your agent will gain information on their financial status and determine whether they are pre-qualified for a home in your price range. Your agent should also advertise accordingly to peak the interest of serious buyers.
8. Being unaware of your Rights and Responsibilities
It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details of your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing any contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kinds of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.
