range from 1 percent to 3 percent of the listing price of a home. On the other hand, it may result in selling the house for 5 percent to 10 percent more. Don’t underestimate the miraculous impact that staging can create.
NOT REPAIRING OR CLEANING THE HOME
You’re going to lose money on the sale of your home if you’re not prepared to make repairs before listing it for sale. When you act ahead of time, it’s less expensive to fix things, and it’s an embarrassing (and expensive) proposition to let potential buyers see the faults of the property during the open house. Probably, prospective buyers will offer less or demand a credit for the expense of the repair work that needs to be done before the deal closes. Experts say clutter is the culprit that eats at the equity and kills deals. Decluttering your property can create a sense of a more spacious home. Clearing off the kitchen countertops, overflowing closets, and full shelves in the den doesn’t cost much, but brings ample reward. Clear the home of all unwanted things. Completely declutter the home immediately, before listing.
NOT DISCLOSING ADEQUATELY
When you choose to sell the home without making repairs to systems or structures (e.g., leaky roof, rusty hot water tank, or not-up-to-code electric), be sure to disclose all maintenance and repair issues. You could be liable for problems you didn’t disclose even in an “as-is” sale, and, importantly, this will help you save money and time if the buyers end up discovering the problems themselves and you must deal with them during the closing.
NOT FOLLOWING THE TIMELINE PERFECTLY
Sales that are timed for financing or tax purposes that miss the timeline even by a single day can cost you extra in taxes or other
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