Sandee Smith: Mistakes to avoid before selling your house

Successfully selling your house or property requires proper planning as well as partnering with a skilled real estate professional. To give you the advantage, here are six mistakes not to make prior to selling your home:

Skipping Preparation

One of the most important steps in the home selling process is taking the time to properly prepare your house or property to be placed on the market. You only get one chance to make a positive first impression, and in this case, a great first impression translates into actual dollars, especially in a competitive market like Northern Nevada.

Not Staging for Photographs

Oftentimes the first view of your house by a prospective buyer will be online. Discuss photo opportunities with your realtor in advance to make sure your home is showcased in the best manner possible. This may include cleaning, de-cluttering, and de-personalizing your home’s décor.

Neglecting Curb Appeal

Spruce up the outside of your house in an effort to make sure prospective buyers are enticed to come in and see the inside. This task may be as simple as mowing the lawn, sweeping the front porch and walkway, and adding potted plants with fresh flowers.

Not Making Even the Smallest Repairs

If a major repair needs to be made that you cannot afford to make, then buyers may use it as a negotiating tool in determining a sale price. However, buyers do not want to purchase a home with multiple maintenance problems, so take the time and effort to make necessary repairs such as fixing a leaky faucet or broken door handle.

Pricing Too High

The pricing of your home is one of the most important decisions you will make that will have the largest impact on your sales outcome. One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is overpricing the property for the current market. Overpricing often leads to more days on the market, which in many cases leads to a considerably reduced sell price.

Not Working with an Experienced Professional

Partnering with an experienced realtor can make all of the difference in your home selling experience. From preparation to pricing to marketing and showing your property, a reputable agent can reduce much of the stress, time and effort necessary to get your home sold. Remember, real estate transactions are complicated and attention to detail is imperative, so working with a real estate professional is a must.

Avoiding these common home selling mistakes will help reduce the stress of the process and place you in position for a positive, successful sale.

If you need assistance finding a real estate-related professional in our area, please contact the Sierra Nevada Realtors at 775-885-7200 or snar.org. Sierra Nevada Realtors is the voice of real estate in Carson City and the surrounding areas. They are committed to building better communities throughout the region, and participating in the political process to protect the industry as well as private property rights.

Sandee Smith is president of the Sierra Nevada Association of Realtors and a realtor with Charles Kitchen Realty in Carson City. With more than 25 years of experience in sales, lending and home staging, her earned designations include Certified Residential Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, and Certified Negotiating Expert. She welcomes real estate questions and can be reached at 775-250-6672 or RealtorSandee@yahoo.com.