There’s nothing more exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling than buying or selling a home. However, it’s a complex transaction, and there are several steps along the path that can confuse even the most seasoned buyers and sellers. How can you avoid potential selling pitfalls and common buying mistakes? Look to your real estate agent for advice and keep the following guidelines in mind.
Common Buying Mistakes
#1 Review Your Credit Reports Ahead of Time
Review your credit report a few months before you begin searching for homes. You’ll have time to ensure the facts are correct and be able to dispute mistakes before your mortgage lender checks your credit. Get a copy of your credit report from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Why all three? Because, if the scores differ, the bank will typically use the lowest one. Alert the credit bureaus if you see any mistakes, fix any problems you discover, and don’t apply for any new credit until after your home loan closes.
#2 Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before getting serious about your hunt for a new house, you’ll want to choose a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage (not just pre-qualified—which is a cursory review of your finances—but pre-approved for a loan of a specific amount). Pre-approval lets sellers know you’re serious. Most importantly, pre-approval will help you determine exactly how much you can comfortably afford to spend.
#3 Know What You Want
You and your real estate agent should both be clear about the house you want to buy. Put it in writing. First, make a list of all the features and amenities you really want. Then, number each item and prioritize them. Now, divide the list into must-haves and nice-to-haves.
#4 Account for Hidden Costs
In addition to the purchase price of the home, there are additional costs you need to take into consideration, such as closing costs, appraisal fees, and escrow fees. Once you find a prospective home, you’ll want to:
- Get estimates for any repairs or remodeling it may need
- Estimate how much it will cost to maintain (gas, electricity, utilities, etc.)
- Determine how much you’ll pay in taxes monthly and/or annually.
- Learn whether there are any Homeowners Association (HOA) fees associated with the property.
#5 Get a Home Inspection
Buying a home is emotionally charged—which can make it difficult for buyers to see the house for what it truly is. That’s why you need impartial third parties who can help you logically analyze the condition of the property. Your agent is there to advise you, but you also need a home inspector to assess any hidden flaws, structural damage, or faulty systems.
#6 Research the Neighborhood and Location
When house hunting, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of the home itself—bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities—while overlooking the subtleties of the surrounding neighborhood. Take time to explore the area at different times of the day, research school options, check crime reports, and visit nearby parks, shops, and restaurants. A great home in the wrong location can quickly become the wrong home.
Common Selling Mistakes
#1 Avoid Getting Too Emotional About the Sale
Once you decide to sell your house, it’s time to strip out the emotion and look at it as a commodity in a business transaction. If you start reminiscing about all the good times you had and the hard work you invested, it will only make it that much harder to price, prepare, and market the home successfully.
#2 Make Repairs or Price Accordingly
Homes with deferred maintenance and repair issues can take far longer to sell and can be subject to last-minute sale cancellations. These homes also often sell for less than their legitimate market value. If you simply can’t afford to address critical issues, be prepared to work with your agent to price and market your home accordingly.
#3 Don’t Overprice Your Home
Getting top dollar is the dream of every seller. But it’s essential that you let the market dictate that price, not your emotions or financial situation. Allow your agent to research and prepare a market analysis that factors in the value of similar homes in the area and trust those results. Overpricing your home often spells trouble and can leave significant money on the table.
#4 Use High Quality Photos
Most prospective buyers today search for homes online first. To make a good first impression, you need a wealth of high-quality photos showcasing your home and surrounding grounds. In today’s market, buyers also expect virtual home tours, drone photography, and 3d walkthroughs to get a more immersive look at the home before scheduling an in-person visit. Investing in these visual tools can help your home stand out in a competitive market and attract buyers faster. It’s also critical that you stage your home to generate maximum buyer interest.
