Selling a home can be a complex and big undertaking. It’s a process that requires careful planning, attention to detail and execution to ensure that you get the best price for your property. Unfortunately, many sellers make mistakes that can sabotage their home sale which we certainly don’t want when downsizing homes in Kansas City. These mistakes can lead to frustration, delays, and even financial loss. In this article, we’ll talk about 8 common mistakes that sellers make when selling and downsizing homes in Kansas City and how the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and BD Real Estate Solutions team can help you avoid them.
1. Overpricing Your Home
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when selling their homes is overpricing them. While it doesn’t happen often, sometimes we meet with sellers who have a rather unrealistic price of what their home will likely fetch. Setting an unrealistic price for your home can deter potential buyers and make it difficult to sell your property, especially if it stays overpriced for long. It’s essential to work with a real estate team who has a deep understanding of the local market and can help you set a fair and competitive price for your home utilizing current professional market data.
At BD Real Estate Solutions our Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and award-winning team offer a wealth of experience in the real estate industry and a deep understanding of the local market in Kansas City and beyond. We will conduct a thorough market analysis, review it with you and work together to set a target list pricing strategy that will attract buyers and help you sell your home fast.
2. Neglecting Home Repairs and Maintenance
Another common mistake that homeowners make when selling their homes is neglecting crucial home repairs and maintenance. Buyers are often put off by homes that require extensive repairs or updating that aren’t priced appropriately for the condition. It’s very helpful to make essential repairs to your home before putting it on the market if at all possible. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® we understand that most downsizers don’t want to do major renovations to their homes right before selling it, rarely does it make sense to do that, however – we’ll discuss your options with you if you need to sell your home AS-IS, in its current condition.
At BD Real Estate Solutions, we will conduct a thorough walk through of your home and provide recommendations for key repairs and upgrades that can help you sell your home faster and for a better price. We also will provide you with important information about the most common items prospective buyers are likely to care about on your property. We can also connect you with trusted contractors who can help complete these repairs quickly, reasonably and efficiently, if needed for clients downsizing homes in Kansas City.
We also understand you may be in an urgent situation and need significant support getting your home ready to sell as quickly as possible. We’ll discuss your personal needs and goals related to your situation and get focused on targeted solutions.
3. Smell Matters
This one we encounter often enough, especially in homes with carpeting and significant fabric furnishings and linens. All homes have a scent – based on many things. This is one item we find many buyers can’t get past if a home has a negatively perceived odor, often times pet-related. Your home may be spotlessly clean but affected by pet soil odors or smells resulting from pets on furnishings over time. As pet lovers ourselves, we know that keeping up with pets is a constant job to stay on top of! From our experience, we know that pets of all sizes can be a factor and carpet that has been soiled, especially into the padding or subfloor rarely cleans up with even professional carpet cleaning.
Other scents like heavy cooking grease also can deter buyers and they will just move on to consider other homes. Even though you may be downsizing homes in Kansas City and already moving onto somewhere new, prospective buyers are very noticing of the fragrance of a home while touring it.
Our Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and BD Real Estate Solutions team would rather be sure you’re aware of it ahead of time, than wait to receive feedback from buyers touring your home, costing you time and money. Identifying solutions to remedy the scent are top priority to ensure you know your best selling options.
4. Poor Marketing
Marketing is a crucial component of selling your home. Failing to market your home effectively can make it difficult to attract potential buyers. It’s essential to work with a real estate agent who has a strong marketing strategy and can help you reach a wide audience of potential buyers.
At BD Real Estate Solutions, we have a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes online and offline marketing channels. We are members of all 3 area MLS’s providing maximum marketing exposure to your property. We will showcase your home on our website, social media platforms, and other online listing sites to reach a wide audience of potential buyers as well as the large agent and buyer network we are in connection with. We also host open houses and other events to attract local buyers and help you sell your home fast as a tactical strategy.
5. Not Disclosing Property Defects
One of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when selling & downsizing their homes in Kansas City is failing to disclose property defects. This can include issues with the roof, foundation, plumbing, or electrical systems. Failing to disclose these defects can lead to legal and financial problems down the line. Buyers will buy a home in almost any condition so long as it’s priced appropriately for the condition. Disclosing a known needed repair doesn’t require you to fix it, but allows you to work with your Seniors Real Estate Specialist® team to determine solutions or gather repair estimates that make buyers feel more sure about the needed remedies and their associated costs. A common concern that comes up in the areas we serve of Greater Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka …. foundation issues. Foundation issues over time aren’t uncommon here but failing to disclose what you know exposes you to potential legal concerns in the future.
6. Being Unavailable for Showings
This is a hot topic that can come as a surprise to property owners who are downsizing homes in Kansas City, especially if they haven’t been through a real estate transaction recently. With the focus often on just getting your home ready for market, you may not have thought about what happens when your house is actually for sale. In the current market, buyers want to be able to see homes quickly once they hit the market and aside from a few exceptions (ex: the seller is home bound on oxygen) the seller needs to vacate the property when showings take place. It is almost never a good idea for the seller to be present and can negatively impact negotiations with a future buyer interested in the home. Buyers want to see homes on their own schedule, and failing to accommodate their needs can make it difficult to sell your property. Once your home is active on the market, we must follow regulations known as (CCP) Clear Cooperation Policy and ensure your home is available for showings to a reasonable standard.
Our Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and award-winning BD Real Estate Solutions team, understands the importance of making your home available for showings. We will work with you to create a schedule that accommodates potential buyers and helps you sell your home fast if you haven’t moved to your new residence yet.
7. Not Working with a Real Estate Agent
Some homeowners believe that they can sell their homes on their own and save money on real estate commissions. However, this can be a costly mistake. Working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® team can help you avoid common mistakes and sell your home faster and for a better price. 90% of home sellers work with a professional agent to maximize the sales price of their home, maximize their buyer pool and have an experienced guide negotiating on their behalf who is working in the real estate marketplace every day. Working with an agent ensures your home isn’t hidden and is being professionally marketed where serious buyers are actively shopping.
At BD Real Estate Solutions we have a team of experienced real estate agents who can help you navigate the complex process of selling and downsizing homes in Kansas City. We will provide guidance and support throughout the process and help you achieve your real estate goals.
8. Ignoring Feedback from Potential Buyers
Finally, ignoring feedback from potential buyers can be a costly mistake. Buyers may provide valuable insights into what they like and dislike about your property, and failing to listen to their feedback can make it difficult to sell your property when downsizing homes in Kansas City.
Our Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and team will collect feedback from potential buyers and use this information to make necessary adjustments to your home’s marketing strategy or staging plan. We will also provide guidance on how to address any issues that potential buyers may have with your property.
Selling a home in Kansas City can be a complex and challenging process. However, by avoiding common mistakes and working with a real estate agent, you can sell your home fast and for a better price. Our Seniors Real Estate Specialist® and award-winning team at BD Real Estate Solutions offers experienced agents who can help you navigate the complex real estate market in Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka and achieve your real estate goals. Contact us today to learn more. 913-232-3383
