Overpricing is the most common mistake for real estate not selling. Even if you find a buyer at your inflated asking price, the property may not appraise at that price which means the real estate financing will not work and the deal will fall apart. This mistake is further propagated If your home is not selling and remains on the market too long, real estate agents and buyers may begin to wonder if there are other, perhaps more serious reasons why it is not selling. The mistake of overly pricing real estate and not quickly adjusting the price can lead to eventually lead to a home selling below market value.

2. Your Home does not look inviting?

Selling real estate means your home needs to look great inside and out. Don't make the mistake of neglecting curb appeal - buyers need to feel good about your home the moment they spot it from their car. Then you want those Buyers to retain that positive feeling once they enter your home. Selling real estate for the best possible price may require sprucing up the yard, painting the interior and fixing a few things, but it will be worth it in the end. Don't make the mistake of not polishing your biggest asset before putting it on the market.

3. Be realistic about your competition?

In a seller’s market, homes go fast, but in a buyer’s market, selling real estate can take sometime, the number of homes on the market grows and buyers can find bargains. Selling real estate in a buyers market can be tough.

While it's difficult, it is a mistake not to try to put yourself in a buyer's shoes and see how they would go about selecting a home? Do you believe that a buyer will not be aware of your competition and which direction real estate prices are heading. Most buyers are savvy since they have likely been scouring real estate internet sites for sometime and are aware of homes selling prices in your area. Those selling their homes need to understand what other options buyers have.

4. Your home does not shine on the Internet!

It is a mistake these days for an agent to simply put real estate listings in the local multiple listing service (MLS), hold a halfhearted open house and wait for another agent to bring a buyer.

More than 1/3rd of all home buyers used the Internet to search for real estate.
90% of all buyers with incomes of over $100,000 begin their real estate search on the Internet.

The best real estate agents are computer savvy and take advantage of email and Internet marketing. They feature your listing on real estate portals and have virtual tours for web visitors. Selling homes today requires technology.If you have a home worth showing off, then do not make the mistake of being understated on the internet. A great virtual tour screams out to the world, "Look how fantastic this house is!"

5. Over decorating the home to conform to your taste is a mistake

A prospective buyer likes to imagine the home according to their tastes, colors and setting.

Keep the decoration and additional arrangements to a minimum.
Allow the buyer to see as much of the home without your personal belongings and interior decoration.

Buyers often have little imagination, that is why it is a mistake to decorate in a unique way for them. They will not be able to imagine what they want the home to look like.

6. Aggressive selling tactics may scare the buyer away

Buying real estate is a big investment and a decision that requires a lot of thinking, discussing and sleeping over - people are afraid of making a mistake. That is those selling a home or their agents cannot sound too pushy in conversations with a buyer. Your agent is needs to be assertive and yet gentle with the buyers, anything else could lead to a costly mistake.

7. Lousy listing agent is a big mistake

A real estate agent who under performs in selling a home is an unfortunate event - don't make this mistake. Hire an agent you feel comfortable about representing your image and your best interests. Keep emotions and family relationships aside when you are choosing a real estate agent. You want someone who can get the job done for you and represent you professionally. Real estate transactions can get litigious and a good agent should help minimize your liability by being thorough with their paperwork. That's the one place you do not want a realtor to make a mistake!

8. Not understanding your obligations under the purchase contract
Do not make the mistake of not reading the fine print before you sign. If you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation. Consult with your agent and lawyer if possible. Crucial information can be hidden between complex and confusing real estate legal jargon. Not taking notice of this information can lead to a lot of frustration and expenses. It is a mistake to think the buyers will be reasonable if your misunderstood your obligations when selling your home..

Vabrato Real Estate Services (650) 346-1595