What NOT To Do When Selling Your Home!

Today, let's dive into something often overlooked - what NOT to do when selling your home.  While there's plenty of advice on what you should do, it's equally important to know the pitfalls to avoid.  So, in no particular order, here's a list of crucial things you should steer clear of when getting your home ready for sale and while you are selling it!

Avoid Personal Photos

Remove personal photos and any identifying information, like the kids' names above the beds.  This isn't just for privacy - it's a safety measure.  You never know who might see your listing online.  Plus, potential buyers need to imagine themselves living in the space, and personal photos can be a distraction!

No Surveillance Without Warning

If you have surveillance cameras or a Ring doorbell, make sure there are clear signs letting buyers know they may be recorded.  It's not just about comfort for the buyers - there could be legal implications if the buyers aren't informed.

Remove Valuables

Once your home is listed, it will be visible to a wide audience, including people who might not have the best intentions.  During showings or open houses, keep valuables out of sight or, better yet, out of the home entirely.

Hide Medicines

Especially those that could be addictive or valuable.  Store them in a bag that you can take with you when you leave the house.

Keep Personal Documents Secure

Things like checkbooks, passports and financial documents should never be left in plain view.  Store them securely or take them with you when you leave the house.  And if you have a filing cabinet, make sure it is locked when you leave.

Conceal Safes

If you have a safe, try to disguise it.  You might even consider emptying it and leaving it open to show there's nothing inside worth taking.

No Memory Books or Personal Stories on Display

Protect your privacy by keeping personal memories and experiences out of sight.  You don't want strangers gaining too much insight into your personal life.

Avoid Plastic Liners or Shoe Booties

While it's understandable to want to protect your floors, asking buyers, especially those with kids, to remove their shoes or wear booties can be inconvenient.  Instead, focus on cleaning up after showings.

Remove Political and Religious Items

While these items may be important to you, they could alienate some potential buyers.  The goal is to appeal to as many people as possible to sell your home quickly and for the best price.

No Fireplace Key

If you have a gas fireplace, put the key away during showings.  Buyers might be tempted to use it, and you don't want any mishaps.

Don't Get Emotionally Attached

Selling a home you've lived in for years can be tough.  There are a lot of memories.  But remember, your goal is to move on to the next chapter in your life.

Remember Your Why

Keep in mind why you are selling.  This can help you stay focused and motivated during the process.

No Bright Walls or Wallpaper

While you may love the bold color choices, potential buyers might not.  And for some buyers, even what you may consider to be a very minor task of repainting may not seem so minor to them!  Neutralize your walls to appeal to a broader audience.

Keep Pets Out of the House

As much as you love your pets (and I have several, which are my fur-babies), not all buyers will feel the same way.  Some might be allergic, while others may be put off by pet odors.  A dog may be a very active dog and may jump on someone who could fall and hurt themselves.  Or a dog may be very protective of their house when strangers are in it.  Cats can tend to be very quick and could escape out of the house!  If you are able to, arrange for your pets to be elsewhere during showings.

Avoid Strong Odors

Overly scented candles can be overwhelming.  Some buyers may think you are trying to hide something!  If you must have scented candles or incense, opt for a subtle scent!  And avoid cooking strong smelling foods, such as fish, while your house is on the market.

No Rose-Colored Glasses

I know that living in a house for many years, we tend to overlook a lot of things.  But now is the time to walk through your house as if you were the buyer and take a good, objective look at the house.  What are some things that may need adjustment (walls, carpet, repairs, etc)?  Identify the strengths of your house and neighborhood so you can use that in your marketing.  Identify the weaknesses of your house so that you know how to overcome that weakness with the potential buyer.  Address any issues before listing your home for sale.

Don't Be Lazy

First impressions matter, so make sure your home is in top shape before it hits the market.  This would mean taking care of any repairs, repainting as needed, dressing up the curb appeal of the house and even bringing in a stager in order to help with furniture placement to show the room off in it's best light.  And make sure that you have it cleaned from top to bottom before the first showing or open house!  You may even want to consider having a pre-listing inspection to deal with any repair issues you may need to take care of.

Don't Overprice

While it's tempting to aim for a high price, setting the right price from the start is the key to selling quickly.  What your neighbor says they think your house is worth does not matter; it doesn't matter what you have put into the house - you won't always get a dollar for dollar return on what you have done over the years!  Relying on online data valuations such as Zillow's Zestimate is not a reliable way to price your house!  Getting a professional market analysis is key to see what's a realistic price for your area!  And, don't overprice at the start, thinking someone will make an offer and you can just negotiate - buyers are very knowledgeable about the market and will recognize if your house is overpriced to begin with and may not end up considering your home!

Don't Jump The Gun

Getting an accepted contract is the first step - but only the first step!  There are many steps to get that transaction to the closing table and things can go wrong between contract acceptance and contract closing!  Stay patient until all the paperwork is signed, the deed is recorded and the sale is officially closed and recorded.  Once you see the money come into your bank account, celebrate, because your home is now closed!

No YOU During Showings

It's best not to be present during showings.  Buyers need space to explore and imagine themselves in the home.  If you are present, they are not able to do so.  And for some buyers, being in the house with you present may make them feel uncomfortable to freely talk among themselves about the house, to sit on the sofa and get a feel for how the house could become their family home!  Plus, there are things you really don't want to share with the buyers - for example, if you are moving because of a divorce, or because of a job transfer that you have to be to your new location very quickly!  You don't want to inadvertently share information with the buyer that could harm you and your negotiating position!

That is a lot!  I hope that this helps in making sure you do everything you need to to get your home sold quickly!  But if you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out and let's talk!