1) Neglecting your curb appeal.  In over twenty years of selling real estate, I hate to recount the times I have had buyers refuse to get out of the car and even take a look at a home. AND note to novice Realtors, if this happens to you, you owe the home seller a phone call to cancel the appointment… you can sugar coat it: “we ran out of time” you can lie: “the client was a no show” or you can tell the truth: “the dead landscape turned them off and they wouldn’t get out of the car” Read: Top Ten Curb Appeal Tips

2) Making your home difficult to show.  Of course it is your home and showings should be convenient, you aren’t expected to show your home at 7 AM, or 8 PM.  The home seller dictates the showing times, but they should be reasonable… you will hopefully be showing your home on the weekends before noon.  You also should be provided with notice prior to showing, why show a messy home?  Discuss reasonable showing times with your real estate agent.

3) Not leaving the house for showings.  Please don’t follow the buyers and their Realtor around the home, it just makes everyone nervous.  The buyer’s agent does not earn their commission until they close escrow with their buyer.  They are motivated; allow them to do their job.  The buyer’s agent knows which features appeal to their buyer, give them the opportunity to show and sell your home.

4) Answering the wrong questions. Don’t be too helpful, allow your Realtor to negotiate on your behalf.  Read: What are the Four Questions Home Sellers Should Never Answer

5) Not cleaning your home.  The way we live in our home and the way we sell it are two different realities. If your housekeeping skills are lacking, consider hiring a cleaning crew prior to listing your home, and possibly signing on for weekly maid service.  If your home is dirty it will sell for a minimum of 5% less than market value.  Read: Yes, You Are Welcome to Sell a Dirty Home

6)  Not decluttering.  Because most of us have stuff and lots of it, we want space.  We shop at big box stores and buy in bulk, storage is a premium.  I have a walk in closet which is filled with clothes that don’t fit.  IF I were placing my home on the market, I would declutter my pantry, my closets, and my bathroom products. My home has ample storage, but you wouldn’t know it, when you see how much junk stuff we have. Read: How to Sell Your Home for the Least Amount of Money

7)  Not removing temptation.  Don’t encourage dishonesty: Hide your banking information, jewelry shouldn’t be in the jewelry box, prescription drugs shouldn’t be in the medicine cabinet.  

8) Hiring the wrong real estate agent.  Read: How to Tell if Your Realtor is a Slacker

9) Overpricing your home.  Homes continue to sell; many quickly and many for the asking price or over.  When you overprice your home, you are selling your competition because their price in comparison to yours will appear to be a bargain.

10) Not responding to the market.  Your agent, (not you) should be contacting the showing Realtors for feedback: What did their client like and dislike about your home?  What did they and their client think of the price?  Will the real estate agent be showing the home to other/different clients?  If your home has not sold in ten days, review the feedback with your agent and take the necessary action.  Read: What Happens When a Home Doesn’t Sell

Related Posts: Top Ten Organizing Tips for 2011
Top Six Reasons why your home hasn’t sold

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