What are the three most common mistakes made by home sellers in Connecticut? Whether you use an agent or not, read on and don't lose out on thousands of dollars.
1) Price It Right
You've heard it a million times and it is still true. If you overprice your home it will stay on the market too long, become stale, and you will ultimately sell it for below market value. I had a potential client last fall interview me to sell their Windsor house and give my opinion on where to price it. Although I told them the truth they didn't want to believe it and ultimately selected an agent who would list it overpriced (yes, some agents are getting desperate). That property is still on the market and the sellers continue to pay taxes and insurance. I had valued the home to around $160,000 and they listed it near $190,000. However, it has been on so long, the agent has probably used up his marketing budget and the market has softened. The sellers will be lucky if they even get $150,000. Now they are out $10,000 in equity as well as wasted taxes and insurance.
2) Make It Look Pretty
When most people sell their car they clean and detail it from top to bottom, remove all the trash, and organize the glove compartment. They carefully vacuum and clean the interior. They wash, wax, and polish the exterior. They often take care of little repairs because they know it will sell for more money. Your home should be exactly the same! Get on your hands and knees and scrub the grout between the tile. Clean and organize your closets. Mow the lawn. Power wash the house. If your carpet smells like dog, rip it out and replace it. If the sink leaks, get it fixed. If the switch in the basement doesn't work, get it fixed. Bottom line - you will net much more money if your home looks and works perfectly.
3) Tell Everyone Your Home Is For Sale
Whether you are selling it on your own or you have hired someone to sell it, make sure your home it marketed to the entire world. One little ad in the Reminder or Hartford Courant is nearly worthless. Most buyers are now on the internet and you need to be there in a significant way (and only being promoted on an individual broker's website is not enough). Very simply, the more people that know your home is for sale and the more people that see your home, the better chance you have of getting your price. Maximum marketing is essential to getting the maximum price. Don't skimp here and make sure your agent has a strong marketing plan.

