The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now
If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes. Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them. 1. Pricing the Home Too High According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree the #1 thing sellers struggle with right now is setting the right price for their house (see graph below): And more often than not, homeowners tend to overprice their listings. If you aren’t up to speed on what’s happening in your local market, you may give in to the temptation to price high so you can have as much wiggle room as possible to negotiate. You don’t want to do this. Today’s buyers are more cautious due to higher rates and tight budgets, and a price that feels out of reach will scare them off. And if no one’s looking at your house, how’s it going to sell? This is exactly why more sellers are having to do price cuts. To avoid this headache, trust your agent’s expertise from day 1. A great agent will be able to tell you what your neighbor’s house just sold for and how that impacts the value of your home. 2. Skipping Repairs Another common mistake is trying to avoid doing work on your house. That leaky faucet or squeaky door might not bother you, but to buyers, small maintenance issues can be red flags. They may assume those little flaws are signs of bigger problems — and it could cost you when offers come in lower or buyers ask for concessions. As Investopedia says: “Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. . . Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been addressed either.” The solution? Work with your agent to prioritize anything you’ll need to tackle before the photographer comes in. These minor upgrades can pay off big when it’s time to sell. 3. Refusing To Negotiate Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you want to see. Don’t take it personally. Instead, focus on the end goal: selling your house. Your agent can help you negotiate confidently without letting emotions cloud your judgment. At the same time, with more homes on the market, buyers have options — and with that comes more negotiating power. They may ask for repairs, closing cost assistance, or other concessions. Be prepared to have these conversations. Again, lean on your agent to guide you. Sometimes a small compromise can seal the deal without derailing your bottom line. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.” The Biggest Mistake of All? Not Using a Real Estate Agent Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake of all. Bottom Line Avoid these common mistakes by starting with the right plan — and the right agent. Let’s connect so you don’t fall into any of these traps.
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The # 1 Reason People Move
Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below): That’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching up over weeknight dinners, watching your kids play with their cousins, or just knowing someone’s there when you need them, living near loved ones changes everything. Let’s dive into why so many people are making this move and how it could be the best decision for you, too. Why Family Comes First Living near family and friends is a universal motivator that cuts across all types of buyers, whether you’re buying your first home or making a big lifestyle change. But it’s especially important to repeat buyers. Unlike first-time homebuyers, who may be more focused on looking in more affordable areas, repeat buyers often have more flexibility on where they live. Many Baby Boomers, for example, have built significant equity in their homes, giving them the freedom to prioritize what matters most – like retiring near their grandkids. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says: “25% of Baby Boomer households plan to retire near their children and grandchildren . . .” Making a move to be closer to friends and family is all about creating a meaningful next chapter in your life where loved ones are just around the corner. The Benefits of Living Near Loved Ones But moving closer isn’t just a lifestyle choice – it’s a decision that offers real benefits: Spending More Time Together Whether it’s joining family dinners, going to weekend activities, or simply having someone nearby to talk to, these moments strengthen relationships and make life more fulfilling. Sharing Resources Living close to family can provide practical advantages, too – like sharing childcare, tools, or household items. Cutting Down on Travel Instead of spending hours on the road to spend time together, you can enjoy more spontaneous visits. This not only enhances your quality of life, but it also provides peace of mind in case of emergencies. Being There for Big Moments It also offers both emotional and practical support during life’s milestones. From graduations to tough times, being close to loved ones helps you feel connected and cared for. Ready To Make Your Move? At the end of the day, home isn’t just a place you live – it’s where your people are. Whether you’re looking to spend more quality time with family or enjoy the practical benefits of being closer to loved ones, the decision to move closer to those you care about is a deeply personal one. Bottom Line If you’re thinking about making a change, let’s connect. Together, we can explore neighborhoods that bring you closer to the people and places you love most.
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