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 costs. Therefore, missing a day can mean losing dollars. You need to schedule the deal after consulting your accountant well in advance to find out whether any tax breaks can apply for long- term capital gains.
SELLING BEFORE GETTING QUALIFIED YOURSELF
Entering a contract to sell your home before you get qualified to buy another is problematic. Your financial circumstances may have changed since you last purchased a home, and you might not be able to qualify for a loan. Or, your current home might not sell for an amount that allows you to buy the replacement house you’ve set your heart on. You could end up renting or buying something else that’s far from ideal.
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