How Not to Ruin a Sale
Over the past 20 years, we’ve worked with countless sellers in the Palm Springs area at the Paul Kaplan Group. The sale of your home relies on a number of factors, and we understand it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. Don’t let these traps sabotage the sale of your home.
Even in a hot seller's market, it still takes more than sticking a sign in your front yard to find the right buyer.
We’re here as a resource to make this potentially stressful transaction a smooth sail from listing to closing.
Mistake #1 - Not Knowing the Local Market
Knowing how much homes in your neighborhood have sold for gives you a good idea of how much you should list your home for. Overpricing can leave your home on the market for longer than anticipated, putting things on hold. We keep track of the neighborhood statistics for you, so you’ll always be up to date. However, in the current market, it's important to know how fast pricing is going up. And is it possible to push the envelope on your asking price? The answer is "Maybe." We'll strategize with you to determine the best price when listing your home.
Mistake #2 - Overlooking Easy Fixes Before an Appraisal
Pass home inspection with flying colors! Appraisers are human, too, and can be swayed by how pristine your home looks. Low-cost updates throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, family room, and overall curb appeal, can boost your appraisal. Be sure to keep a record of all major home renovations!
Mistake #3 - Keeping the Clutter to A Minimum
First impressions are long-lasting. You may be blind to your home’s disorganization but it will be the first thing a buyer will notice. When a buyer is serious about a home, they will want to see every inch of it. Don’t forget to clear out closets, drawers, and all those small places where clutter can build up.
Mistake #4 - Poor Photography
When most home buyers begin their search online, photos are your home’s first impression. Instead of using your iPhone, we hire a professional photographer to show your house on its “best” day. Professionally staging your home paints a picture for potential buyers, which is a service we’re happy to offer.
Mistake #5 - Weak Marketing Strategy
Many sellers don’t work with realtors who have a strong online presence, unfortunately. When you sell with The Paul Kaplan Group, we make sure your home gains maximum exposure to potential buyers. Our website and email blasts, coupled with our use of targeted Facebook and Instagram marketing, allows our properties to reach thousands.
Mistake #6 - Selling Your Home Fsbo (for Sale by Owner) & Not Using an Agent
Some think selling a home on their own is easy, but at the end of the day, you’ll need the help of an expert. Not only will we provide invaluable market insight, but we’ll help with all the paperwork and negotiate for you. Homes also tend to sell for more when working with a realtor. (According to NAR, FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2016. The typical FSBO home sold for $190,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.)
#7 - Life Happens
Cold feet or a change of heart? This is one area where sellers have minimal control, and most of the responsibility is on the buyer. Some need to make a big purchase right before closing, which can cause their loan to fall through. Some things are out of your control… but we’re here at The Paul Kaplan Group to ensure everything in our control goes smoothly.
For more information, contact us at (760) 459-1396 or drop us a line at [email protected]
