We’ve all had “that friend” (or maybe we were “that friend”) who has all the best ideas. At least they seemed that way at the time. Perhaps they convinced you to try line dancing as an adult even though they are well aware that you don’t have an ounce of rhythm in your body. How;d they do it? Saying “what’s the worst that can happen?”
That phrase can sound so persuasive. If fortune is on your side, you’ll avoid the trip to the hospital. If you’re really lucky, none of the embarrassing videos will go viral.
Sometimes, it’s all in good fun and worth the risk to try something outrageous or highly inadvisable at our age. But if there’s one time you do not want to adopt the attitude of “what’s the worst that can happen,” it’s when you’re selling your house.
This extremely valuable asset is far too important, and you do not want to jeopardize your results in any way. Let’s look at some home selling scenarios we have encountered over the years.
Great Friends, Terrible Advice: Real Estate Edition
That same friend undoubtedly has a lot of insight into the real estate market. Perhaps they sold their house six months ago or six years ago, but they remember exactly what worked for them and are fully confident it will work for you too.
Or even better, they have actually earned a real estate license and are thrilled for a chance to test their brilliant ideas in the real world, using you as the guinea pig. What could go wrong?
Just be aware that the market changes constantly. We have seen two similar houses in the same neighbourhood sell at two very different price points, and the only thing that changed was the level of demand from potential buyers.
Conditions quickly switch from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market and then back again. Styles evolve, and trends that once held massive appeal fall out of favour and make your home look outdated.
Working with a friend to sell your house comes with risks beyond losing money or failing to sell. When stress levels are high and emotions get involved, it could potentially cost you the friendship.
For maximum results in any market and to keep your relationship intact, consider working with an experienced, full-time real estate agent who is up-to-date with everything happening in the industry.
Accurate, up-to-date information is the foundation of every smart home selling strategy. Start by booking a complimentary home evaluation with our team.
Selling Without a Realtor®
When a real estate agent is good at their job, they make it look so easy. So easy, that you might be tempted to try it yourself. Once you start the process of preparing your house for sale and getting it on the market, you’ll get an inkling of how complex it can be. Numerous strategies must come together quickly to create a stunning presentation, price accurately for the market and promote your home to potential buyers.
You call around to some local contractors, perhaps someone recommended by your friend. However, trying to vet them is much more difficult than it seems, and in some cases, it doesn’t even matter. Reputable or not, they’re often so backed up that you can’t get service for several weeks or even months.
Once your listing is live, the work really begins. If you didn’t already have a full-time job, you do now. Suddenly, it’s like being on the clock 24/7 so you can be available for open houses and to show your home at a moment’s notice.
In the end, your house may sell. Alternatively, you may get frustrated and pull it off the market.
Perhaps the worst that could happen is that you’ll never know what could have been. Could you have earned more?
Working with a full-service real estate team nearly always results in a higher selling price and a faster transaction. Another benefit is that a well-established expert comes with a built-in network of other professionals. Typically, this means front-of-the-line service with trusted contractors and no scrambling or long delays to get on their schedule.
Still deciding on whether to work with an agent or go it alone? Read the following posts first:
- Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent
- FSBO vs Real Estate Agent Assisted Sales: What’s Better?
- 7 Amazing Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent
Over or Under Preparing Your Home
It takes money to make money, right? It stands to reason that investing heavily in your house will result in higher profits. The truth is, it can be challenging to know what will appeal to a potential buyer and what might turn them away.
All too often, a homeowner will invest in substantial renovations, only to see no reward from their efforts. Or worse, you hear the buyer whisper about how much they hate the brand-new kitchen you spent so much to install.
Some upgrades, like putting in a swimming pool, are known to have a poor track record when it comes to adding to the value of a home. Other minor, less invasive and less expensive repairs add massive appeal.
Knowing exactly how to prepare your home to impress potential buyers without overspending is one more reason to rely on the experts. An updated strategy proven effective in the current market can result in a higher selling price, faster and with less effort on your part.
What should you focus on when getting your house ready to sell? The posts below can help you save time while maximizing results:
- Do I Really Have to Update My Home Before Selling It?
- Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
- Does Curb Appeal Still Matter When Selling A House Today?
Using Random Home Staging Methods
There is a time and place to be creative. Selling your home is not it. Proudly displaying your own masterpiece that you created during Paint Night or a one-of-a-kind light fixture from the vintage store can showcase your unique personality.
Unfortunately, you must remember that your buyer may not share your love of the quirky or unconventional. On the flip side, some homeowners don’t stage at all. The idea can seem complex and they don’t know where to start. In some cases, they may believe that the market is busy enough to sell as-is.
The trouble with improper presentation is that a visitor can’t quite picture what it would be like to live in your house. Designing the space with the buyer in mind can engage their imagination and inspire them to place an offer.
Often, a homeowner will understand the value of staging and still decide to skip it simply because of the expense involved. That’s another great reason to work with Woolcott Real Estate to sell your home. You’ll get our complete staging package complimentary with our services!
Curious about how staging works? Learn more in the posts below:
Being Home for Showings
A seller believing they should be home during a showing is one of the most common mistakes we encounter. On the surface, it makes sense to be available. Who knows your house better than you do?
However, when you’re lounging in the living room watching TV or eating dinner in the kitchen, the buyer has a constant reminder that they are in someone else’s space. Not only are they not free to imagine living here, but they also feel uncomfortable.
They’re unlikely to ask all of the questions that would set them at ease about placing an offer. In the worst case, they’ll check their watch and suddenly “remember” that they have somewhere else they need to be.
Contrast this with having a professional real estate agent handle the showing. They are a neutral third party, there to answer all questions, showcase your home’s best features and negotiate flawlessly for the terms of the sale. As the buyer, which scenario would you prefer?
By doing everything in your power to attract potential buyers and make them feel comfortable and welcome in your space, you set yourself up for the best possible outcome: a fast sale at the highest price and a relatively stress-free experience.
Do you have questions about selling your home in today’s market? Our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can help you get the results you need. Reach out today with any questions or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.
