Just last month I did a blog on what not do as a buyer. So it seemed appropriate to discuss what not to do as a seller of South Lake Tahoe real estate. After all, we are in a seller’s market so how you approach the process can determine the type of success you have in the sale of your South Lake Tahoe real estate. If you want to avoid having your home sit on the market, check out these tips on how to avoid common selling mistakes!
Tip No. 1: Don’t overprice your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe
Listen, as a realtor in South Lake Tahoe, our goal is to get you the most money possible in the shortest amount of time. Unfortunately, so many homeowners overestimate their homes value. Whether Zillow was a little overzealous with that zestimate or you made a lot of upgrades over the years, you need to hold tight before getting too attached to a certain number that can’t be backed up by comps (also known as comparable sales). Just because your neighbors house sold for your dream number, doesn’t mean yours will. They could have a better view, more square feet, it could be brand new construction or it could have had extensive upgrades whereas yours didn’t. Usually the sales price is determined based on comparable homes that have sold in the last 6-12 months. These are homes that are actually similar to yours in size, beds, baths and features. Take your South Lake Tahoe realtor’s advice when it comes to pricing. It may not be the number you had in mind, but if it is based on current market conditions, you should have no issues with it moving quickly and potentially with multiple offers.
Tip No. 2: Be flexible with pricing
The South Lake Tahoe real estate market is a changing industry. Pricing and mortgage rates can change and can be hard to predict too far out. So even if you priced correctly for the market conditions at the time of listing, you still need to stay flexible and roll with the changes. If an offer comes in lower then what you would like, countering is an option.
Tip No. 3: Keep your home in showing condition
It is hard, we know. Selling real estate in South Lake Tahoe does require some effort which can feel overwhelming with work and all of your other commitments. However, housekeeping can not go to the wayside when your home is on the market. Every person that walks through is seeing your home for the first time so keeping it clean and de-cluttered is crucial for a good first impression. If that feels like a huge undertaking to you, try these tips.
- Go through your home’s closets, garage and storage areas and either toss, donate or keep.
- For the keep pile, figure out what doesn’t need to be used for a month or two and pack up. This saves you time later on.
- Create a throw all bin for each room that can be easily stored in a closet for a last second showing. You may not have time to deep clean, but you can at least toss stuff in one spot and then put it away.
Tip No. 4: Don’t Leave religious or political belongings in plain sight
Part of de-cluttering & cleaning is de-personalizing your home. Buyers want to imagine their stuff in your space without your stuff getting in the way. As a South Lake Tahoe realtor, I always recommend keeping it neutral, whether it is a wall color or political or religious symbols.
Tip No. 5: Use professional photographs
Unless photography is a hobby or second skill, allow your Realtor to spend the money on a pro. These photos will be used online, in postcards, email marketing, flyers and more. With a majority of buyers looking on the internet for South Lake Tahoe real estate, having great photos is the difference between getting a tour and well….not.
Tip No. 6: Don’t stick around at your own open house
Buyers don’t like to feel rushed or uncomfortable when touring their next potential home. When the seller is lurking nearby, they usually feel like they can’t ask the South Lake Tahoe realtor questions about the property (and get an honest answer) or look in closets. In fact, most feel a little bit like they are intruding. This results in them being out the door and on to the next house quickly.
Tip No. 7: Don’t be difficult with showings
When selling real estate in South Lake Tahoe, it will feel like your home is not really yours. You have to stay flexible and make it easy to show. If there are certain hours that don’t work for you, your realtor in South Lake Tahoe can specify that in the showing instructions.
Tip No. 8: Don’t leave pets at home during showings
Whether a buyer is scared of pets or allergic, don’t turn away someone by letting your sweet family member roam free. If removing them from a home is not possible, consider a crate or putting them outside and leaving very specific instructions on where the pet will be.
For more information on listing your home for sale in South Lake Tahoe, feel free to give me a call. I would be happy to help!
