Selling your Tampa Bay Home by yourself might an unexpected headache or you might be one of the lucky 20% that accomplish the goal independently. Did you price your home too low? Last minute walk throughs, inconvenient calls, price adjustment and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are real concerns. If you are not prepared you could end up losing thousands of dollars in profit. The difference between a profitable smooth transaction and a break even, miserable experience can often be a fine line. In the majority of cases it comes down to subtle know how. These handy tips are designed to help you avoid some common mistakes.

1- Don't Rely Only on Traditional Marketing Methods
Newspaper Ads, Brochures and Flyers in Info Tubes are traditional marketing methods. In a recent survey over 65% of National Home Buyers surfed the Internet for Information BEFORE they purchased Real Estate. The internet is a round the clock cost effective medium gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. If you are considering the services of a Realtor® ask about their internet marketing and visibility.

2- Priced Too Low or Priced Too High
If your property is priced too high it will sit on the market and develop the identity of a problem property. If it’s priced too low it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated to help you maximize your return. Make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and profitable sale.

3- Refusing to Make Necessary Repairs
It always costs you more money to sell ‘as is’ than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home. Even minor improvements will often yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale. Your agent will be able to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home. Seemingly small fix up jobs can have quite an impact.

4- Provide Access for Showings
Visibility and accessibility is a major key to profitability. Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive. There are certain considerations to take into account: your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale. The more accessible your home is then the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your asking price. You'll never know if the one that got away was the one that couldn’t get a viewing.

5- Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes
First impressions are the most important to the prospective home buyer. Many home sales have been lost because of unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms and closets, carpet and wall stains, unpleasant odors, etc. Always put yourself in the Buyers position

6- Wasting Time With Unqualified Prospects
Many sellers are hesitant to qualify the prospective buyer or ask the wrong questions. You should consult with a Real Estate Attorney and have some forms handy to evaluate the prospect. After all, they know quite a lot about you and your property. You should likewise have some knowledge of their background and finances. When you align yourself with the right Realtor® they eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects.

7- Don’t Be Unsure
Never put your property up for sale unless you are serious. If you appear indecisive to prospective buyers they might take it as a sign of hidden defects in the property or you. You only make the sale when you are decisive, confident and well prepared.

Michael 'Max' Kuzmicz, Realtor®
Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc.
Phone (727) 399-1347  Free No Obligation Consultation

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