The Costly Mistake Sellers Keep Making (and How to Avoid It!)

Introduction:

Selling your home is a big choice, and every seller wants to get the most profit from their sale! But even small mistakes can cost you time and money during the selling process.

One of the most common and avoidable mistakes sellers make is skipping minor repairs before listing. It may not seem like a big deal, but even tiny issues can be a red flag to buyers! That’s why it’s important to invest in a little preparation now so you can have a smoother sale and more money in your pocket.

When buyers tour your home, they’re looking for reasons to fall in love as well as reasons to negotiate. A dripping faucet, scuffed-up walls, or a loose cabinet handle might seem minor to you, but buyers tend to focus on these issues. In our market, homes that feel turnkey tend to sell faster and for a higher price.

When buyers see fixes that need to be done, they overestimate repair costs and start wondering what else might be wrong. Something that’s a super easy $100 fix might feel like a $1,000 problem to them. Because of this buyer tendency, leaving small fixes to be done can lead to lower offers or no offers at all.

If you do get an offer, your next hurdle is the home inspection. If unresolved repairs show up during the inspection, you can count on the buyer to use them as leverage to renegotiate. If the issues end up being too big, buyers may even walk away altogether. Imagine finally getting an offer, only to have the deal fall apart over something that could have been fixed in an afternoon.

The good news is that a little effort goes a long way when it comes to prepping your home for listing. A fresh coat of neutral paint, patching up small holes, and fixing minor plumbing or electrical issues can make a huge difference in the outcome of your sale. These small fixes make your home feel well-maintained and move-in ready, which is a huge selling point for buyers.

Before you list, take a critical look at your home, or better yet, get some help from your friendly neighborhood agent!