Top 10 Mistakes Sellers Make

10. Not using a professional Realtor to sell their home

Buyers of For Sale By Owner are bargain hunters and rarely pay full market value. To save money, and have your property exposed to most number of qualified buyers, use a professional Realtor.

9. Not carefully investigating the agent they select

As in any profession, there are both good and poor real estate agents. Ask your potential agent about their experience and success in marketing properties like yours. Ask them to describe their marketing plan for your home. The specific agent you select is more important than the size of the company they are part of.

8. Overpricing the house

Overpriced houses take longer to sell and sell at below market value. Your agent will share current market information with you. Follow your agent's advice. The buyers who are currently looking for a new home (not you nor your agent) determine the current market value. Ask your agent to share information about recent sales and other similar homes competing for your buyer.

7. Failure to make necessary repairs before listing the house

Follow your agent's advice to help make your home sell faster and at a higher price. Buyers will often deduct more than the actual cost of the repairs in the offer they make to you.

6. Failure to fully disclose defects of the house and property

The law requires you to disclose any defects you are aware of in your home. Failure to do so can be a costly mistake. Your agent will assist you in complying with the law and in protecting you against costly litigation after the sale. Failure to properly disclose is a common mistake made by For Sale By Owners. Professional help is crucial.

5. Not placing a For Sale sign on the property

For Sale Signs attract about one third of the potential buyers for your property who are not already working with an agent. The more people who know that your house is for sale, the greater the demand will be, and the higher the final sales price will be.

4. Being present while the house is shown

Buyers feel uncomfortable when the owners of the house are present while they are looking at the home. They like to be able to talk to each other and ask questions of their agent. You should also remember that your potential buyer might be attracted to your home for entirely different reasons you were. Allow the showing agent to emphasize the property features most important to each potential buyer. Be smart; depart when the house is being shown.

3. Failure to keep the house in 'Model Home' condition

Make sure the house looks as attractive as possible. Keep it clean and neat, inside and out. Clean kitchens and bathrooms are essential. So are clean windows and a tidy yard.

2. Agreeing to premature possession

Whenever possible, avoid allowing the buyers to move in before they take title. Even with a written agreement, getting a tenant out is a difficult, costly and time-consuming affair.

1. Failure to adhere to the terms of the contract

The contract you sign with your buyer is a binding agreement on both the buyer and you. Not allowing inspectors and appraisers access to the house, not making agreed upon repairs, not leaving personal property called for in the contract, not making the house available on the day of closing all lead to unnecessary problems. Your buyer expects you to adhere to the terms of the contract, just as you expect them to. If a question arises, speak to your agent.