Here are 4 Things You Shouldn’t Do

So, you’ve decided to put your home on the market and your real estate agent is on board to help you list your spot, and together you’ve done your due diligence on what to ask for. As you start checking things off your to-do list, though, it’s also important to pay mind to what not to do. Below are a handful of things to get you started.

1. Don’t over-improve

As you prepare your home for sale, you might realize you’ll get a greater return on your investment if you make a couple of changes—like updating the appliances or replacing a cracked cabinet in the bath. While these are wonderful ideas, it’s important not to over-improve or make improvements that are specific to your tastes.

For example, not everyone wants a finished basement with a wet bar. Your buyers could be family-oriented and seeking a basement space for their kids to play in, and that decked-out room may look to them like a huge project to un-do. Make any needed fixes to your space, but try not to go above and beyond or you might lose money.

2. Don’t over-decorate

Over-decorating is just as bad as over-improving. You may love the look of lace and lavender, but your potential buyer could enter your home and cringe. When prepping for sale, neutralize your decorating scheme to make it more universally palatable.

3. Don’t hang around

If your agent calls to let you know buyers will be coming by to look at your home, get out of the house. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your space and don’t want to be confronted by you in your home. It can be awkward for them to go about judging your home while you’re there.

4. Don’t take things personally

While real estate is a business, buying and selling homes can be very emotional. So, when selling your home, try your best not to take things personally. When a buyer lowballs you or says they will need to replace your prized 1970’s vintage shag carpet with something more modern, don’t let it upset you.