Helena Talbot’s blog - What Not To Do When Selling Your Home

Now that it's time to sell your home, you're probably trying to make sure you get everything right.  You don't want to make any mistakes that could cost you a top dollar sale.  However, there are many common mistakes that sellers often make.  Not because they don't know any better, but because they truly believe they are right despite what their realtor is telling them.  Here are some of the most common seller mistakes that could easily be avoided.

1.  Don't overprice your house.  We know you have lived in and loved your house and you're probably emotionally attached to it on many different levels.  However, no matter how much you have put into the house or how many upgrades you have completed or how much you owe on it, your home is only worth what the market is willing to pay for it.  Even if yours is the best house on the block.  

2.  You must remove all clutter and all personal items.   Your buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in your home and they can't do that if they see your personal decor and your family pictures, etc. all around the house.  You need to keep it as neutral as possible.  Additionally, by keeping everything to a minimum, you will make your house appear bigger and cleaner.  So go ahead and pack up anything you aren't using and store it until you are ready to move.  You have to pack anyway and this is a great way to get a  jump on things.

3.  Be prepared for lowball offers.  Lower than asking price offers are inevitable.  You will receive lowball offers but don't get offended and whatever you do don't ignore them.  This is your chance to negotiate a better offer.  You can't blame the buyer.  Some sellers will accept a lowball offer if they are in a desperate situation.  But that doesn't mean you have to.   Just take some time and try to get the buyer up to a price that is agreeable to both of you.

4.  If something is broken - fix it.  And that means everything!  Never neglect to fix something that is broken no matter how small it is.  The minute your buyer sees something that needs to be repaired, they will begin to look for anything else that may be wrong with your house.  Additionally, it will cause them to wonder just how well you have maintained the house over the years.  Once the buyer is in this mindset, it's very difficult to change it back.

5.  Don't skimp on the marketing.  About 80% of homebuyers will start their home search on the internet. The internet offers them thousands of options from which to choose.  If you only have a few low quality pictures of your home and most every other ad has plenty of high quality pictures, as well as, virtual tours; which ads do you think they are going to click on?  Yep, that's right - the ones with the great pictures and virtual tours.  Talk to your realtor about how to get the most out of your advertising.

Selling your home doesn't have to be a chore.  Allow your realtor to guide you in the right direction.  Your realtor has the experience to sell your home quickly and to help get you the highest selling price possible. Therefore, take his advice and know that he is doing everything in your best interest. 

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. 

I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker- Licensed in Virginia. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.