7 Ways to Sabotage the Sale of Your Home

Many factors contribute to a successful home sale, from staging to marketing to great photography and of course, the right agent. To prevent your home from staying on the market for weeks on end, consider these points.

We know that selling your home is likely the largest financial transaction you will ever make, so we’re here to help guide you through the process!

Mistake #1 - Not knowing the local market

Knowing how much homes in your neighbourhood have sold for gives you a good idea of how much you should list your home for. Overpricing can cause your home to stagnate on the market, putting things on hold. We like to keep track of what’s happening in your neighbourhood, so you’ll always be in the loop.

Mistake #2 - Overlooking easy fixes before appraisal

Pass home inspection with flying colours! Appraisers are human, too and can be swayed by how pristine your home looks. Easy and inexpensive updates throughout your home, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, family room and the overall curb appeal, can boost your appraisal. Be sure to keep a record of all major home renovations! It’s safe to say that most potential buyers who view your home are also making a mental list of any deficiencies that they notice, so it’s best to nip any problems in the bud.

Mistake #3 - Keeping the clutter 

It’s crucial that your home make a great first impression with potential buyers. You may be blind to your home’s disorganization and clutter but it will be the first thing a buyer will notice when they walk through the door. 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. A good clean from top to bottom can also make a huge difference.

Mistake #4 - Poor photography

A picture is absolutely worth a thousand words, and the best way to make a great first impression (especially considering most homebuyers begin their search online) is to ensure you have great quality photographs of your home. Sometimes your iPhone just won’t cut it! Additionally, having your home professionally staged paints a picture for potential buyers, and is a service we’re happy to offer.

Mistake #5 - Weak marketing strategy

At North Group, we pride ourselves on our successful online marketing strategies. Unfortunately, most sellers don’t work with realtors who have a strong online presence. When you sell with us, we make sure your home gets in front of the right audience at the right time, gaining valuable exposure to potential buyers. Our website and email blasts, along with our use of targeted Facebook marketing, allows our properties to reach thousands!

Mistake #6 - Selling your home FSBO (for sale by owner) & not using an agent

Many people believe that they will still be able to sell their home for top dollar without the help of a real estate agent. However, the reality is, you’ll need the help of an expert to help you sell for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time. Not only will we provide invaluable market insight, but we’ll help through all the paperwork and negotiate for you. Homes also tend to sell for more when working with an agent. 

#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. There can be many factors that contribute to a deal falling through. Some things are just out of your control… but we’re here to ensure everything in our control goes smoothly.