COMMON SELLER MISTAKES
#8 Showings
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Not Accommodating Buyers
I am going to be very clear about this—a missed showing is a missed opportunity. Sure, there are going to be times when showings are going to be difficult—you work, have a family and a life. Sometimes they get in the way but turning down a showing when it is not convenient for you, could be a major mistake if it happens to be the buyer that would offer you the most money!
Don’t ever assume the agent or buyer’s schedule can fit into yours—especially the relocation buyers that are only in town for just a few days. If you want to sell your home in the shortest amount of time and for the most money, let the buyers come on their schedule! The more restrictions you put on buyers and their agents, the more challenging it will be to sell your home and the longer it will take.
Another tip and good idea is to always allow overlapping showings. This let’s buyers know others are interested.
Not Having Your Home ‘Model’ Ready
Not having your home looking its best. Your home CLEAN with blinds open, lights on, music playing, fireplace and spa going will help you get top dollar! I know this may be a lot of trouble, but it could make you thousands of dollars more! Remember, it is all about making your home more attractive than your competition. Remember, 'first impressions' are very important!
Industry Secret: First thing in the morning, before anything else, prepare your home to be 'Model' ready. This will keep you from getting caught off-guard when you get a call for a showing.
Being At Home During Showings
“Hovering” is the worst! Never be at home during a showing. Sellers typically get in the way of a good sale by trying to help. Lurking sellers make buyers nervous. They may feel they are intruding into the seller’s space and then rush through the home without seeing everytghing they need or giving them time to get emotional over the home. They need time to imagine their family enjoying living there and visualize their furniture in each room.
Buyers will also feel uncomfortable closely inspecting the house and talk amongst themselves about changes to the home or features they do not like with the sellers present. Let me be direct, buyers are buying a home for themselves and do not want to have the picture of 'their new home' with you in it!
Make sure you take your pets with you! Their toys, bowls, beds, etc. should be hidden.
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Telling Too Much To Buyers
One of the tactics real estate agents and buyers use to know how to negotiate in their favor, is by asking the seller questions. They are looking for clues as to how to get the best deal. If you share personal information, such as a need to sell the house quickly or the fact that you have been trying unsuccessfully to sell it for months, the buyers are apt to make a low-ball offer. Avoid telling the buyers about your motivation to sell. This is why it is always best to let your Realtor do the talkng with the buyer and/or buyer’s agent.
Although some questions may seem simple and innocent as “Why are you moving?” I have seen sellers tell information that has caused them to lose negotiating power, thereby, losing thousands of dollars.
Industry Secret: If you get caught leaving as the buyer comes in to see your home, whatever you do, say nothing!
In Geni's book, 'INDUSTRY SECRETS -That Get Your Home Top Dollar!' there is a whole chapter titled 'Common Seller Mistakes To Avoid.' For a copy, click on the book.
OTHER SELLER PAGES:
BOO!
