Expectation:
"I can list my home for top dollar! This is a seller’s market after all. Plus, I read that housing inventory is limited and the Zillow Zestimate on my house is a LOT more than I paid for it a year ago."
Reality:
Yes, housing inventory is low in some markets but not all. And yes, the “Zestimate” that you see online has gone up. But that does not take into account a LOT of other factors. When you work with a professional realtor rather than a website, you will get a truer since of what is happening in your particular market. Your agent will go through your comparative market analysis (CMA), how much a home can appreciate in a certain length of time, and what the realities of a seller’s market can really look like. It might mean taking a hard look at lowering the price you had in mind to stir up multiple offer rather than pricing high and potentially having to lower it later.
Expectation:
"I LOVE my house. We spent so much money on this kitchen and it is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. What to do you mean that potential buyers won’t like the cookie jar that my grandmother gave me? And the wallpaper in the powder room? I spent hours picking that out."
Reality:
Selling your house can feel very personal. But it is anything but. Your potential buyers are not buying your things. They are there to buy the house. That is the one thing that you cannot take with you in this move. All the other personal items like your sofa, window treatments, and grandma’s cookie jar are going with you to your new home. Don’t take it personally if your agent tells you to neutralize. Buyers want a blank slate to place themselves into.
Expectation:
"When the open house starts, I’ll just wait in the kitchen in case anyone has any questions about the house."
Reality:
During showings of any sort, the seller should make sure to vacate the premises. The last thing a buyer wants to do is give less than stellar, or even harsh feedback about a home while the owner is there. If they don’t make an offer, it is hard to explain that reasoning to a stranger while you are in their home. It makes for an unhospitable environment and you will do much better to be long gone.
Expectation:
"It’s really hard for me to find a place for my dog every time someone needs to see the house so I am just going to put him in the back yard. Just tell the people looking at the house not to open the gate. He won’t bite if they go out there but he might jump on them. Oh, and make sure to open the doggie door before they leave so he can come back inside."
Reality:
A lot of people love pets but there are an equal number of buyers that don’t. A dog or cat that is roaming the property during a showing can be a real setback to a potential sale. In addition, all pet bed, crates, food bowls, and errant pet fur can put a real damper on a potential offer. It is better to take you pet with you and do a thorough vacuum before your showing guests arrive.
For more advice on selling your home, visit our Metro Brokers blog. If you are ready to sell your home, you can all our agents to help you step by step at 404.843.2500.
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