Time and again we see Home Sellers make mistakes that drive Home Buyers to the next house.

1. Know where you want to go

How many of us plan a holiday with no idea of where we’re going? Not many can pull it off with success. Thing is, Home Sellers do this – they list the home for sale and don’t know where they’re going or when they want to get there. Home Sellers need a solid plan of action – using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) along with your REALTOR’s® advice can be helpful.

2. Remove your personal stuff – including emotions

This is a big one. People have stuff and generally speaking Home Buyers don’t care about your nicknacks and personal photos. If you’re a true Home Seller then you’ll have to pack this stuff anyway – get it done, now. Cleaning and de-cluttering removes emotion and allows Home Buyers to see their belongings in the home. A crowded home equals a crowded mind for the Home Buyer.

3. Take care of deferred maintenance

Defer your home maintenance and you will garner a lower sale price. Things like peeling paint, broken fixtures, cobwebs and an unkempt lawn all add up to a discount in a Home Buyer’s mind. Get the work done, make your home shine and generally speaking you will get the highest value for your home in today’s market.

4. Take your realtors advice to heart

Taking the neighbour’s or family’s advice about market conditions and pricing over a local industry expert, your REALTOR®, is a deal killer. If you’re experiencing doubt talk to your REALTOR® about it. If what they tell you doesn’t ring true then maybe it’s time to make a switch. Otherwise, trust that you’ve made the right choice – listen and take action toward selling your home faster and for more money.

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur”

~ Zig Ziglar

5. Price your home to sell

Sure, we wonder, “If I could just get $50,000 more for my property I could go on vacation and renovate my future home.” Here’s the thing – Home Buyers don’t want to pay for your vacation and nor should they be expected to. If you’re not happy with the price the market will garner at the time then maybe it’s a good idea to wait for the market to rise. In this case you’re not a Home Seller – you’re speculating. Price your home to sell in today’s market and get ready to move!