Article by Real Estate Agent.social .
One of the things you are likely to notice when you begin the process of selling your home is that everyone around you – friends and family included – is an expert in selling a home. Well, more accurately, everyone thinks they are an expert. In reality, their expertise may be more than a little misguided.
Before you take any home selling tips to heart, be sure to review the following list of six common myths related to selling a house. Once you have these in the back of your mind, you will be less-inclined to take that ‘expert’ advice from your old college friend or your long-lost uncle.
Myth #1 – You Shouldn’t Waste Money on a Real Estate Agent
This is one that should never even get off the ground. Do you need to use a real estate agent in order to sell your home? Yes, you do. It’s that simple. Sure, you can risk going through the process by yourself, but that would be a mistake. Work with an experienced agent, rely on their advice, and look forward to a hassle-free process.
Myth #2 – You Should Never Fix Up Your Home Before You Sell
Some people will have you believe that you should just hang a ‘For Sale’ sign up and let the buyers come bidding – even if your house is in poor condition. This is bad advice. Sure, it might be a mistake to sink a large sum of money into a new kitchen that buyers might not love, but fixing up basic problems is crucial if you want to get top-dollar.
Myth #3 – Only Sell in the Spring!
One of the common myths that is passed around by people with no experience in real estate is the idea that you need to sell your home in the spring. In reality, the time of year isn’t going to make much difference in the end, as long as you have a good plan and a good agent on your side.
Myth #4 – You Can Settle on a Price by Using the Web
Sure, you can get some useful information from home listings online, but simply browsing a few listings isn’t going to make you a real estate expert. There are an incredible number of variables in play when thinking about selling your home, so you will want to rely on a professional to help you price the house accurately based on market conditions.
Myth #5 – Your House is Special
Speaking of pricing, another myth related to selling a home is that you can somehow return more than market value because your house is special in some way. Generally speaking, that just isn’t true. Unless there really isn’t something unique and valuable about your home, you are most likely going to be able to sell it for market value based on size, location, condition, etc.
Myth #6 – Always List High
You don’t want to price your home too high when you place it on the market, as that plan can actually lead to a lower price in the end. The best way to get top dollar is to encourage competition, and competition is only going to take place when you have your home listed for fair market value.
Our agents at Engel & Völkers Stellenbosch are trained to assist you in a professional manner and to guide to towards a realistic marketing price for your property! Contact us now if your are thinking of selling: 021 861 7777, or Stellenbosch@engelvoelkers.com