“Hovering”
Whenever possible, don’t be home during a showing. This is impossible or impractical if you are selling the home yourself. If you have a listing agent, leave when the house is shown. Lurking sellers make buyers nervous. Buyers may feel they are intruding and then rush through. They may be hesitant to talk about changes to the home or features they don’t like. Buyers will feel uncomfortable closely inspecting the house in the presence of the homeowners. It’s easier for buyers to visualize the home being theirs when they have a chance to critique and discuss the home among themselves. If you must be home, try to stay out of the way and answer questions only if asked. Unless there’s a real reason for it, don’t ask your listing agent to be present for all showings, either. That will limit your showing activity. Other agents want privacy with their buyers and they do not usually have time to work around your agent’s schedule.
Waiting It Out
If you decide to wait, you are joining the thousands of other homeowners who have also decided to wait. When a few decide it’s time to take the plunge, you’re already too late. If you need/ want to sell now, then sell now. There will never be a better time.
Not Taking the First Quick Bid
This scenario happens frequently: a seller receives an early offer and suddenly feels confident that the house will sell easily, perhaps even sparking a bidding war. It can be tempting to hold out for a better price, especially when your home is newly listed. But that's a big mistake. In my experience, the general rule in real estate is that the first offer you receive is often the best one.
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