Six things that could sabotage your property sale

While the state of the real estate market may well have something to do with why your property is not selling, there could be a few simple reasons why buyers are just not finding your home appealing.

In a seller’s market, buyers will overlook some things, but in a buyer’s market when there are fewer buyers and more property listings, they would be more critical and selective. Selling your property is unlike any financial transaction that most people will undertake and it’s important to get it right from the outset.

Here are six things to avoid as they could sabotage the sale of your home.

1. Overpricing your property
Don’t let your home sit on the market for months and become a stale listing. Even if you do find a buyer that is willing to over-pay, unless it is a cash buyer, they may have a challenge finding a bank willing to give a home loan on an overpriced property.

Start with a fair market price and negotiate from there. There is nothing worse than listing your home at the upper end of the price scale only to find no or low offers. Don’t make it difficult to sell your house, price it right from the outset.

2. Ignoring your agent’s advice to make repairs
First impressions count and there is nothing worse than presenting a home in a bad state of repair. Buyers will wonder what else is wrong with the property that they can’t see. A well maintained home will always appeal to a buyer.

Even if a buyer will overlook some of the repairs, they may well want to knock off a portion of your asking price. Keep your home maintained, neutral and with as little personal taste as possible. Always put your best foot forward and get your home ready for the market. It will pay off in a higher sales price and faster sale.

3. Not taking home staging and photography seriously
Photographs have become a vital selling tool in the property market. The internet and technology have made it easy to showcase almost the full house including an aerial view of the home and neighbourhood so that buyers can instantly see the attraction and “picture” themselves in the home.

Staging your home for the photographs is now vital. Remove all personal items and de-clutter. Ensure that the walls are painted or thoroughly washed. The home must be clean and tidy and that goes for the outdoor and garden areas as well. Remember, a picture tells a thousand words!

4. Making showings difficult
Be flexible for showings and ensure your home is always tidy and ready for showings. Most buyers have little patience for a difficult seller, and you would not want to lose out on a good offer simply by not being accommodating.

Buyers usually view more than one home and if you are not willing to accommodate them, they will quickly lose interest. When owners are home during a showing it adds a layer of uneasiness and makes buyers uncomfortable. “Strike while the iron is hot” is especially true when it comes to selling your property. If potential buyers are in front of your home and call the agent to view, grab your dog and go, it will pay off!

5. Leaving pets home during showings
Nothing is more off-putting than unruly pets, especially for people who do not like pets. Even pet lovers will find it distracting when they come to view your home and they are bothered by boisterous dogs or cats. Entering a property where a dog is barking is distressing for both the animal and the visitors.

Some people are afraid of dogs while others are allergic to cats. Always remove your pets during showings. It goes without saying that pet odours are just as off-putting, so ensure that the home is free of pet odours and hairs.

6. Disguising problem areas
Don’t cut corners when preparing your home to go onto the market. A buyer will quickly spot bubbly paint and realise that it clearly shows and underlying problem of mould. Rather get the area repaired properly before painting it. Fix all broken doors and windows. There is nothing worse than when a buyer opens a kitchen cupboard door or drawer and it falls on them.

Any structural issues must be attended to and fully disclosed to the agent and buyers. Buyers tend to be suspicious when they spot cover ups and the smallest cover up could raise suspicion that there might be something else wrong with the house. Don’t give them a reason to knock down your price.