If you’re selling a home in Macomb County, your REALTOR® will be there to coach you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes. With that said, check out the seven most common showing mistakes that first-time sellers make (and how to steer clear of them).
7 Common Showing Mistakes First-Time Sellers Make
Selling a home is a big deal, and it involves a lot of moving parts. Check out these common mistakes many first-time sellers make so you can avoid them:
- Failing to be flexible with days and times
- Staying home during showings
- Forgetting to declutter
- Getting rid of too much
- Missing hotspots while cleaning
- Leaving personal items behind
- Using fragrances
Scroll down for a closer look at each mistake.
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Home-Seller Showing Mistake #1: Failing to Be Flexible With Days and Times
When it’s time to sell your home, your REALTOR will most likely tell you that the more available the home is for showings, the better. That’s because showings are your one chance to connect with buyers. If you only allow showings on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., you’re not really giving your home a fair shot to impress buyers. Try to be as flexible as you can when it comes to showing availability.
Related: 5 secrets that can help you get higher offers on your home
Home-Seller Showing Mistake #2: Staying Home During Showings
No matter what anyone tells you, it’s best if you leave the home when prospective buyers come by. That’s because buyers aren’t comfortable openly discussing a home’s features in front of its current owner – and they’ll feel like you’re looking over their shoulders the whole time they’re there. That makes buyers uncomfortable, and uncomfortable buyers don’t make offers.
Pro Tip: Many people believe that sticking around is a good idea because prospective buyers can ask them questions about the home. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. If prospective buyers have a question, they can ask their agent. Then, their agent can ask your agent, who will get in touch with you for an answer.
Home-Seller Showing Mistake #3: Forgetting to Declutter
Decluttering is one of the most essential steps in selling a home. The idea is to show off just how much space your home has by removing items you don’t use every day. (A good rule of thumb is to find everything you haven’t touched in six months or more; then put it in storage, donate or sell it, or throw it away.) If your home appears cluttered, buyers will likely think it’s smaller than it is.
Home-Seller Showing Mistake #4: Getting Rid of Too Much
There’s something to be said for minimalism, but you don’t want your home to look empty. Buyers need some furniture and decor so they can envision their own belongings in your space. (Besides, seeing your sofa in the living room gives them a good way to gauge whether theirs will fit.)
Related: 5 tips for using plants to stage your home
Home-Seller Showing Mistake #5: Missing Hotspots While Cleaning
Buyers may not notice that you cleaned every square inch of your home, but they will notice whatever you missed. Make sure you pay close attention to the sinks, countertops, and other important areas in the kitchen and bathrooms; you should also dust everything, clean up smudges on walls and switch plates, and make sure the windows are squeaky-clean.
Pro Tip: You may find it worthwhile to hire a professional cleaning service to give your home a good once-over. If that’s not in the cards for you, though, don’t sweat it – you’ll just have to set aside a day to do a whole-house deep-clean.
Home-Seller Showing Mistake #6: Leaving Personal Items Behind
Your personal items – such as bills, important documents and prescription medications – need to go with you when you leave the house for a showing. Don’t leave anything that has your personal information on it.
While you’re removing things for showings, you should also take:
- Expensive jewelry or heirlooms
- Kids’ records
- Pets
If you have firearms in your home, make sure they’re safely locked away before anyone comes through to see your space.
Related: What are home fixtures?
Home-Seller Showing Mistake #7: Using Fragrances
Though there’s nothing wrong with simmering a pot of cider on the stove or baking cookies right before a showing, you should avoid burning incense or candles – and definitely avoid spraying air fresheners. When buyers smell synthetic scents, the first thing they think about is what you’re trying to hide. If your home doesn’t smell very fresh, a good cleaning may solve the problem; you may have to do some extra scrubbing if you have pets. And if cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, you need to find the cause of the smell and eradicate it before you put your home on the market.
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