Avoiding Common Seller Mistakes in Real Estate

BERKELEY — When it comes to selling a home, several factors can affect the success of the outcome, which is why it’s a good idea for sellers to educate themselves about the process. By avoiding common mistakes, sellers can greatly improve their odds of achieving a lucrative result.

The first mistake sellers often make is neglecting proper presentation of their homes. Depending on the condition of your home, this may consist of anything from light staging to making significant cosmetic upgrades. However, while such measures can augment your home’s appeal, they can be for naught if simple steps like cleaning and de-cluttering are foregone. Even a well-staged home can be undermined by a dirty bathroom or kitchen sink full of dishes, so be sure to address these basic aspects of home presentation.

A second mistake sellers make is accepting the first reasonable offer that comes their way. As a rule, you should plan to leave your home on the market for one to two weeks before accepting any offers. Why? If you accept an offer on the first day, you eliminate the possibility of other competing bids. In contrast, by being patient and considering multiple offers, you can drum up competition between buyers, resulting in a bidding war that hikes up the price of your home.