Selling your home is a major financial decision, and making mistakes along the way can be easy. Whether it’s overpricing, inadequate marketing, or neglecting home repairs, these errors can cost you time and money. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common mistakes homeowners in Saskatoon make when selling their homes—and how you can avoid them for a smoother, more profitable experience.
1. Overpricing Your Home
Setting the right price is critical. One of sellers’ most frequent mistakes is overpricing their property based on emotional attachment or what they “hope” to get. According to real estate experts, overpriced homes often sit on the market for too long, and eventually, sellers are forced to drop the price, which can deter potential buyers.
Why Pricing Right Matters
Buyers can access data on comparable home prices in Saskatoon, and an overpriced home will quickly be seen as a bad deal. Jeff Will emphasizes the importance of setting a competitive price from the start, using tools like a comparative market analysis (CMA) to establish a price that reflects current market conditions.
2. Ignoring Necessary Repairs
Even minor repairs can make a big difference. Failing to address apparent issues like leaky faucets or chipped paint can create a poor first impression, leading buyers to question the overall condition of your home. Before listing your home, do a thorough walk-through and fix any glaring issues. Jeff Will recommends getting a pre-listing home inspection to identify and resolve any problems that could scare away potential buyers.
3. Poor Marketing Strategy
A good marketing strategy is essential to attract the right buyers. Relying solely on a “For Sale” sign in the yard is not enough. Jeff uses professional photography, online listings, and social media marketing to ensure maximum visibility for your home. In fact, 90% of buyers start their search online, making it critical to have high-quality images and descriptions on platforms like RE/MAX, REALTOR.ca, and social media.
4. Not Being Flexible with Showings
In today’s fast-paced real estate market, being flexible with showing times can make all the difference. Buyers often want to view homes on short notice or during odd hours. You may miss out on the perfect buyer if you’re too restrictive. Jeff Will advises sellers to accommodate as many showings as possible and even consider open houses to increase exposure.
5. Neglecting Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see. Neglecting curb appeal—whether it’s overgrown lawns or peeling paint—can turn buyers away before they even step inside. Simple fixes like fresh flowers, a new mailbox, or a coat of paint can greatly enhance your home’s exterior appeal and attract more buyers.
6. Not Staging Your Home
Buyers want to envision themselves living in the space, and proper staging helps create that vision. This doesn’t necessarily mean renting expensive furniture, but decluttering, neutralizing colors, and arranging your space to appeal to the widest audience is key. Jeff’s team can provide valuable advice on how to stage your home for success.
7. Skipping Professional Photography
In the age of digital house hunting, photos are your home’s first impression. Low-quality, poorly lit images can make even a beautiful home look unappealing. Professional photography showcases your home in its best light and can significantly increase interest from potential buyers. Jeff Will always includes professional photography in his listing package to ensure your home stands out.
8. Failing to Disclose Property Issues
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to disclosing issues with your property. Failing to mention problems like a leaky roof or outdated wiring can lead to legal trouble down the line. In Saskatchewan, sellers are legally obligated to disclose any known defects. Transparency builds trust and can prevent a sale from falling through later in the process.
9. Ignoring Local Market Conditions
The real estate market can vary greatly depending on the season and the local economy. Jeff Will advises sellers to pay attention to local trends in Saskatoon and consider factors like supply and demand. For instance, selling during the spring and summer can often yield higher offers as these are peak buying seasons.
10. Trying to Sell Without a Realtor
Finally, while it may be tempting to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route to save on commissions, it can cost you more in the long run. Realtors like Jeff Will bring valuable market insights, negotiation skills, and marketing expertise that help you get the best price for your home. According to research, homes sold by Realtors often sell faster and for more money than those sold by owners.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in your home-selling journey. Whether you’re selling your first or fifth home, having a knowledgeable real estate agent like Jeff Will in your corner can ensure you make informed decisions that lead to a successful sale. Ready to sell your home in Saskatoon? Contact Jeff Will today to get started with a free home evaluation.
