Seller Resolutions : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Seller Resolutions

The New Year is here, and many are more resolved than ever to achieve real estate goals that went by the wayside in 2008 due to economic and other concerns. But, what’s one to do to optimize their chances of success amid what’s still a tumultuous, highly demanding marketplace?

“While tricks of the trade abound to give buyers and sellers a leg up on the competition, there are also a number of basic pitfalls buyers and sellers should be sure to avoid lest they commence their real estate venture on shaky ground,” notes Robert Jenson, CEO of luxury Las Vegas real estate purveyor The Jenson Group.

With this in mind, Jenson offers these New Year’s Real Estate Resolutions to help sellers avoid common blunders and get the deal done:

Seller Resolutions:

1. I Will Not Overprice My Home. Every seller naturally wants to get the most money for his or her product. The most common mistake that causes sellers to get less than they hope for, however, is listing too high. Listings reach the greatest proportion of potential buyers shortly after they reach the market. If a property is dismissed as being overpriced early on, it can result in later price reductions, which reflect poorly on the listing. Overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price than they likely would have had they been priced properly in the first place.

2. I Will Not Limit Showings. Are you serious about selling your home? Then you need an open door policy and to ensure the home is ready to be shown at the drop of a hat…even if you’re not around. Pack up your valuables and provide an outdoor lockbox that real estate agents may access at their discretion. Most showings are fairly spur of the moment, and you don’t want to miss out on any qualified prospect.

3. I Will Properly Stage My Home. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant and fresh as possible. Plant flowers, wash the windows and screens, put on a coat of new paint, lay new carpet, add furnishings and décor items, eliminate clutter and remove personal photographs from around the house. It’s time to show off your beautiful home and make someone else feel completely at home in it. First impressions are critical, so ensure the junk is packed in boxes, and all boxes are put in storage vs. the garage so the prospective buyer can properly evaluate and appreciate that part of the house, too. Clean out the closets, so they look bigger.

4. I Will Not Wait for an Offer Before Making Needed Repairs. Would you buy a Ferrari with bent rims, stained rugs and cigarette burns in the seats, even if the seller was offering a “repair credit”? Doubtful, as the buyer would have an understandable poor impression of how the vehicle was treated and assume the worst. When selling a home, eliminate any need for such credits in advance. Even before you list it for sale, hire professionals to inspect the roof, pool, and other structural elements, and for termites and other important buyer considerations. Make ALL repairs before you list the house on the market to thwart anticipated objections in advance.

5. I Will Be Aware of All Contract Terms. It is extremely detrimental to be ill-informed regarding the details of your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing any contract. Can the property be sold “as is”? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Your real estate professional should ensure you know the answers to these kinds of questions, which can save you a considerable amount of money.