Before deciding to sell the house, get preapproved by a lender you trust. Also, do some research on your prospective housing market to get a good idea how much you’re likely to spend. Make plans in case you need to move right away. WASTING TIME ON UNQUALIFIED BUYERS It’s wasted e ff ort to show your home to someone who can’t buy it. An example is the seller who spent two weeks preparing his home for an acquaintance who wanted to buy his home. Th e seller spent $1,000 removing an old shed and met with the prospect several times to discuss price and terms. It was well into the process when the seller found out the prospect couldn’t qualify for a loan. Real estate agents spend considerable e ff ort weeding out showing to nonqua lifi ed and unqua lifi ed home shoppers. “HOVERING” Lurking sellers make buyers nervous. Whenever possible, don’t be home when showing. Th is is impossible or impractical if you’re selling the home yourself, though. Buyers may feel they’re intruding and then rush through. Th ey could be hesitant to talk about changes to the home or features they don’t like. Th ey’ll feel uncomfortable closely inspecting the house in front of the owners. It’s easier for buyers to visualize themselves in the home when they’re able to walk through and discuss it on their own. If you must be home, try to stay out of the way and answer questions only when asked. If you can avoid it, don’t ask your agent to be present for showings, either. Th at will limit your activity. Other agents want privacy with their buyers, and they don’t usually have time to work around your agent’s schedule. NOT TAKING THE FIRST QUICK BID 29
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