5 Home-Selling Myths

There are so many unknowns before you put your house on the market: who will buy your house and for how much? How long will it take? Will I find a new home before I sell my current one?

And while the internet can be a really fun place to search for answers to these questions and more – it can also be rife with bad, if not flat out wrong, information.

We’re here to bust some of the real-estate myths that have been going around since we can remember. And yes, we know you’re reading this on the internet – but consider this part of the good information you find online. Here are five home-selling myths you can dismiss:

Myth: Always list your home in the spring

Many people have said that home-buying season starts in the spring and goes through the fall. But, that’s not entirely true because the claim is region-specific. In places that don’t have snow-filled winters, like Miami, January is actually a great listing month. Every market is different, so what’s great advice in one region can be terrible advice in another. And markets change, year over year – so it’s always wisest to speak with a realtor and get their expertise on the current state of the market.

Another good thing to keep in mind about this myth is that there are two sides to every coin. While the springtime may be a busier time in a lot of markets, this also means there will be more sellers and competition. Sometimes listing your home when inventory is low can allow you to snag the right buyer quickly.

Myth: Your buyer will be at an open house

A lot of sellers expect open houses to be the venue where they will find their perfect buyer. And, while that can happen, open houses are more like parties filled with people that may not be quite ready to settle down. Serious homebuyers are more likely to request a private one-on-one showing instead.

But, this doesn’t mean that it’s safe to skip the open house entirely. Keep your mind open and follow opportunities wherever they may come from.

Myth: You can save money by selling by owner

Many people believe that skipping a realtor can save them money. While realtors do charge a fee for their services, they also act as your adviser. Typically, realtors bring in more options for buyers, can secure a higher price for your home, and can ensure the buyer you select is capable of executing the sale. All this and more results in you making more money and limiting the stress factors that come with selling your home.

Myth: Price your home high – then wait for a buyer who will pay it 

You want to get the most for your property, but pricing it sky-high and hoping for a buyer to accept the rate isn’t the best-laid plan. Homebuyers don’t want to overpay and they tend to know they have options when it comes to price as well as other homes to purchase. Not properly pricing your home can result in a house that sits too long on the market – and the longer a house sits on the market, the more buyers will start to think there’s something wrong with it. If you price a house right from the beginning and seriously consider all of the offers that come in, you can sell your home faster and, typically, with less hurdles.

It’s important to know the facts when looking to sell or buy a home. If you’re in the market or looking to be on the market, give us a call today. We can give you all the facts.