A h/t to an amazing realtor in New Orleans, Bryan Francher of Latter & Blum in New Orleans for inspiring this post (I have borrowed substantially from his, link here).

If you’re like most people, your house or apartment is one of the most significant assets. Even though in New York, it’s not always the biggest!

Either way, when it’s time to sell, a lot of money is at stake. The decisions you make while preparing your home for sale, and then marketing your home can impact the rest of your life.

Improve your chances of getting top dollar by avoiding these six common seller mistakes.  By the way, I would add that these are mistakes that your agent can avoid- that you might not even realize agents make.

1. Neglecting to Fix Obvious Problems
   If you know there are problems with your home, go ahead and fix them. This means replace that broken icemaker, broken microwave, broken oven, before a buyer learns it’s broken. It also means touching up paint. When something is easy to fix, DO IT! Simple flaws like chipped paint, a leaky faucet, or holes in the walls can seem like a red flag to potential home buyers. We’re dealing with psychology. If you don’t, you may see many more lowball offers.
   
2. Skimping on Photography
   A buyer’s first impression is almost certainly going to be online. Therefore, photography and videography is more important now than ever before. Make sure that your agent hires a professional photographer who knows how to use angles and lighting to make your house look its best. It should cost you NOTHING, and is the most important investment you can make. We call that first shot the “Hero Show.” If you don’t have one, some potential buyers will rule out your home without even taking the time to see it in person.
   
3. Overspending on Upgrades
   While a fresh coat of paint, landscaping, and minor upgrades can do wonders for your home’s sale price, doing big renovations may not bring your anticipated return on investment. Be careful not to overspend on improvements that buyers will not value. In short, focus your efforts on making your home look clean and well-maintained.
   
4. Getting Emotionally Attached
   It’s understandable to feel some attachment to your home. But when it comes time to sell, you must remember that your home is one of many that buyers will see. The rubber really meets the road when you start receiving offers. While getting a full asking price offer from a buyer would be ideal, you may be offended when buyers try to negotiate. Don’t forget that this isn’t the real estate friends. It’s the real estate business. And you should expect people to make offers below your asking price.
   
   Try not to take any of it personally. And god forbid you the buyer finds a problem that needs repair and requests a credit – it happens all the time. But be careful you don’t lose a good deal over a few hundred dollars.
   
5. Making Showings Difficult
   Selling your home is often a numbers game. The more showings you have, the more likely you are to find the right buyer. To increase your chances of getting a good offer, you’ll want to be flexible about your showing dates and times. This also means you’ll have to keep your home as tidy and clutter-free as possible throughout the sales period.
   
   Most importantly- It’s best if you’re not present during showings, so you’ll need to be willing to leave your home at a moment’s notice. At risk of offending folks- pets in the house can be a turn-off to buyers. If you have a smelly pooch, you may want to consider changing your normal routine around your pet- perhaps they could stay a friend or relative? Or you will need to increase the frequency of your groomer or house cleaner.
   
6. Failing to Use a Qualified Real Estate Agent
   In today’s market, trying to navigate the craziness on your own- that is, selling an apartment without help- is a huge no-no. Using a professional to help you through the process will increase your chances of getting top dollar. Your agent will give you advice about staging, pricing, contract negotiation, and more. He or she can recommend a great photographer, optimize your home listings, and get your house in front of potential buyers who might not have found it otherwise.

Selling your home doesn’t need to be a chore. By working with your agent and avoiding these pitfalls, you can maximize your home’s value!