Bella Lago Open House Archives - Fort Myers Real Estate and Homes For Sale

As real estate agents I think we tend to forget that people really don’t know how to sell their home. What seems basic to a veteran agent is not basic to all, and even many newer agents don’t know all the best tips. We decided to cover 8 seller mistakes when putting home on the market.

Don’t be present for showings. If you absolutely must be home for showings, don’t say a word. Take a walk, drive around the block, or anywhere you can to avoid conversation with the buyers. Sellers believe they know their home better than anyone; therefore, they can sell it better than anyone. Be aware of the $1,000 rule. Practically every word you speak to the buyers costs you $1,000. I’d say try it, but it’ll cost you.
Don’t photograph everything. There is no rule you must provide a photo of everything. Leave a little to the imagination. Make them want to get inside and see everything. Most bathrooms don’t need to be photographed, unless they are spectacular, stand out, and are a selling feature.
Set correct listing price and negotiate firm. You’ll get a better sales price if you set the correct list price. Overpricing drives buyers away. You’re not going to fool a buyer today, so you might as well price correctly upfront. Buyers typically don’t want to insult a seller, so they just move on to other better values. Or worse yet, they never view inside of your home because it’s not on their radar.
Select the best agent to market your home, not the least expensive. Selecting the least expensive can cost you thousands. It’s not what an agent charges that matters, it’s what ends up in your pocket at closing. All Realtors are not the same. Some agents sell homes faster and for more money. Enough to cover the difference in rate, and then some.
Make your home accessible. We live in the online age. People expect fast access, both online and in person. Some buyers are buying today and won’t come back tomorrow just to see your home. By the time your home is available and picked up, they bought something else. It just repeats with the next buyer.
Check with your condo or HOA. There are many required disclosures and documents you must pass on to buyer at contract. Failure to do so can cost you a sale. Get these documents upfront. It’s a pain, but you’re going to have to do it anyway, so don’t lose a buyer and get them now.
Disclose defects. Better yet, repair problems so next buyer doesn’t have to deal with it. Most buyers want a problem free home. They want to move in and not have to repair a bunch of things. Their time and budget is stretched enough, and having to repair other peoples’ existing issues kind of takes the fun out of home shopping. If you don’t want to do the repair, chances are you next buyer may not either.
Market your home everywhere! Newspaper, online, social media, etc. Make sure your home is target marketed to home buyers looking for what you have. Throwing a sign out there and posting on an online site won’t cut it. Everyone does that. You want to stand out.

Wish we had more room. If you’re thinking of selling, always call the Ellis Team. We’ll go over our entire list and expose your home to more people. Call Sande or Brett Ellis 239-489-4042 Ext 4 To search the MLS like a pro, visit www.LeeCountyOnline.com

Don’t forget to vote us Best Real Estate Team in SW Florida in News Press Reader Poll. www.Bestswfl.com