In real estate, there are many myths that get thrown around. Sometimes these myths cause misconceptions that may wind up hurting you when it comes time to sell your home. At Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, we’re here to help navigate you through these myths and let you know what the reality of each situation is. Here are six common myths when it comes to selling, and the reality behind them.
1.Myth: You should always price your home high to leave room for negotiation.
Reality: Pricing your home correctly from the start attracts more buyers, generates stronger interest and can lead to better offers.
There has long been a misconception that pricing your home higher will leave room for negotiations. But the truth is, pricing your home too high will drive potential buyers away before they even have the chance to make an offer. Setting your home at the right price will attract more buyers and create stronger interest. This can lead to multiple offers.
2. Myth: You need to renovate your entire home before selling.
Reality: Strategic updates, decluttering and proper staging often provide a better return on investment than major renovations.
When you’re prepping to sell, people may tell you that in order to maximize your value you should renovate everything. While some renovations may help, they aren’t all necessary. By making strategic repairs and updates, decluttering and staging you will see results. While renovations can be helpful, they aren’t something that needs to be done.
3. Myth: Spring is the only good time to sell.
Reality: Homes sell year-round, and each season offers unique advantages depending on buyer demand and local market conditions.
There are slower times of the year when it comes to selling your home, but with the right agent, any time can be a good time. At Howard Hanna, our agents specialize in capitalizing off of each season of the year. Whether it’s spring or winter, they can help you navigate the market and make the best decisions for the quickest, smoothest sale possible.
4. Myth: You can save money by selling your home without an agent.
Reality: An experienced real estate professional provides pricing expertise, marketing, negotiation skills and guidance that can help maximize your sale.
While it may look like it up front, you’ll likely feel it on the backend. Agents help make sure that you’re getting what your home is worth. At Howard Hanna, clients always come first and we make sure that every single one has an easy experience that doesn’t cost them in the long run.
5. Myth: Online home value estimates are always accurate.
Reality: Automated estimates don’t account for your home’s unique features, upgrades or current local market trends. A professional market analysis provides a more accurate valuation.
Well estimates can tell part of the story, they don’t factor in any issues that the home has or any upgrades that you may have made. The bottom line is that having a Howard Hanna professional makes a huge difference. They’ll help get your home on the market at the right price and drive interest from the time it’s listed.
6. Myth: The highest offer is always the best offer.
Reality: The strongest offer considers more than price—including financing, contingencies, closing timeline and the buyer’s overall ability to complete the transaction.
The highest offer isn’t always the best. You have to also factor in financing, contingencies, the closing timeline and the buyer’s ability to see the deal through. Your Howard Hanna agent will make sure that each offer is reviewed to make sure you choose the best one for you.
Conclusion
At Howard Hanna, our professionals will help walk you through the home selling process to make sure that it’s smooth as you get ready for the next chapter in your life. If you’re ready to make a move today, reach out to your local Howard Hanna agent or visit www.howardhanna.com.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 18 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
