Mistakes when selling a house

Selling your home is a life-changing ordeal, and it’s easy to get lost in the details. Between timing, pricing, and finding professional help, how do you stay confident in your decisions and avoid mistakes?  Check out six common mistakes people make when selling their home and trust real estate agents in Lincoln NE to sell your home quickly for the price you want.

Mistake 1. Selling your house at the wrong time

To increase your chances of selling your home, it's important to choose the right time to list it. According to research, March is the best time to list your home for sale. This is because, after a cold and gray winter, the arrival of spring and natural sunlight makes homes look great. Blooming plants and flowers add value and make outdoor spaces more attractive to buyers. However, the ideal time to sell your home depends on the type of property you have. For example, one- and two-bedroom apartments are popular with young couples and first-time buyers, and they are typically bought in January and February when people are excited about the new year. On the other hand, large family homes can sell quickly in the spring or fall, but the busy summer holidays are not the best time to sell as families have less time to look at properties.

Mistake 2. The asking price is too high

One of the main reasons why homes stay on the market longer than they should is because they are listed at too high of a price. To avoid this, it's crucial to know the real market value of your property. Buyers will be comparing your home's location and features to other properties in the area, so it's important to be realistic with your pricing. This can be challenging but try to think like a buyer rather than a homeowner when setting your price. Properties that are realistically priced at market value tend to sell 58 days faster than those that are overpriced. The longer your home is on the market, the lower the price you may have to sell it for. Additionally, even luxury properties can sell below the asking price, so it's important to carefully consider your pricing strategy. By selling your property for its true worth, rather than an inflated price, you can attract more buyers, create competition, and potentially earn even more than you initially anticipated.

Mistake 3. The house is not prepared for sale

Preparing your home for a quick sale requires careful planning and attention to detail. Before listing your property, it's important to gather all relevant legal documents that prove your ownership of the property, ensuring that the home is ready for a quick sale. While proving ownership of real estate is relatively straightforward, the lack of proper organization can make it difficult to locate other necessary documents. To help ensure a successful sale, consider working with Nebraska realtors who can assist you in carefully preparing your title documents and selling your home in a short period of time.

In addition to proof of ownership, there are other documents that may be required depending on the age and condition of the property. For example, if the property is more than 10 years old, building certificates or other warranty documents may be necessary. Gas tests must be carried out by a certified technician, and if you have replaced the mains in your area after January 2005, you may be required to comply with current building code legislation by providing confirmation that your energy services are fully functional, along with a certificate of approval.

If you have made any changes to the property, it's important to demonstrate that you have obtained the appropriate permits and approvals. For example, if you have installed new windows, you should have a valid certificate demonstrating compliance with building regulations.

To streamline the sales process and minimize delays, it's best to have all necessary documents organized in one safe place. This will help speed up the sales process and ensure a successful, quick sale.

Mistake 4. The house is not cleaned

The first impression of your property can make or break a sale. Potential buyers usually view photos online before making a decision to visit your property. Therefore, high-quality, professional photos with natural lighting can help attract buyers. It's essential to present a tidy house to enable buyers to see the property's potential. If you smoke at home, make sure to air it out and clean it thoroughly before a viewing. Non-smokers are particularly sensitive to the smell of smoke, and this may put them off. Organizing the open spaces is also important. You don't need to do a complete landscape makeover, but mowing overgrown lawns can significantly improve your property's visual appeal. Painting the walls with neutral colors is an effective way to showcase your home. Neutral colors create a blank canvas impression for buyers to imagine their own design ideas.

Mistake 5. Choosing the wrong real estate agent

When it comes to selling your property quickly, choosing the right real estate agent is crucial. There are various options available to you, including selling it yourself, using an online agent, or hiring a qualified real estate agent with extensive experience in selling properties. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Selling the property yourself may be a cheaper option, but it can be challenging and time-consuming if you're not an expert. Additionally, unexpected costs may arise, such as advertising expenses. Professional agents, on the other hand, can handle everything for you in a shorter amount of time, but they usually come with a higher price tag. However, don’t work with the first agent you come across. Before making a decision, conduct research to find out which real estate agents other sellers in your area are using, how quickly they're selling properties, and their level of expertise.

Mistake 6. Get the best deal

With multiple offers, it seems right to go with the highest offer. However, there are other key factors to consider when choosing the "best" offer. The time frame is one of these. A buyer who plans to close quickly (same day or the next day) is more valuable than a slower offer, even if the price offer is slightly lower. Your maximum bid may become unattainable if it takes too long.

Careful reading of contracts for the sale of real estate

When selling your property with an agent, it is important to remember that you are ultimately responsible for signing the contract. Before signing any agreement, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions outlined in the contract. When selling an apartment, it is especially important to pay attention to the details of the contract to avoid any potential issues. The key points to look for in a contract include the full address of the apartment, an appendix that includes floor plans and interior design, details on windows, doors, and gas supply, settlement terms such as price and any conditions for redevelopment, and the responsibilities of all parties involved. Contract delays are common, and it is important to clarify who is responsible for any delays or issues that may arise. If there is a verbal agreement between you and the buyer, it is important to ensure that it is reflected in the written contract.

Check the Permit Documents

To ensure a successful sale, it is crucial to have all necessary permit documents in order. These documents indicate the legality of construction and allow the property to be used in the future. To ensure their availability, you can check them yourself or with the help of a lawyer. Be cautious of low prices, as they may indicate future legal issues, such as zoning or building permit disputes. In some cases, low prices result from the need for additional financing from new buyers. Check for court decisions and claims to the land to ensure the fate of the building is secure.

Additionally, analyzing the construction history of the developer can provide valuable information. If the developer has a history of incomplete or illegal buildings, it is unlikely that they will complete your project successfully. Notaries verify the legality of the contract, but they are not required to check all permit documents or the reputation of the seller.

It is essential to conduct thorough research before buying a property, especially in new buildings. Consider hiring a qualified lawyer to help identify any potential risks and avoid malicious real estate sellers. Don't underestimate the importance of due diligence to ensure a successful and secure transaction.