sales in your area.
OTHER SELLERS’ MISTAKES
Zillow has compiled a list of “Don’ts” to help people avoid the pitfalls of an otherwise successful sale.
Selling Before Getting Pre-Approved Yourself
Entering a contract to sell your home before getting qualified to buy another can lead to serious challenges. Your financial situation may have changed since your last purchase, and you may no longer meet the requirements for a loan—or you might not be able to sell your home for a price that allows you to comfortably afford your next one. Loan programs vary, and terms and requirements can change frequently. Interest rates also fluctuate, which can significantly impact your purchasing power. Without proper planning, you could end up needing to rent or settle for a home that’s far from ideal. Before deciding to sell, get pre-approved by a trusted lender and research the housing market in the area you want to move to. Understand what you can realistically afford, and always have a backup plan in case you need to move quickly.
Wasting Time on Unqualified Buyers
It is a wasted effort to show your home to someone who cannot buy it. An example is the seller who spent two weeks preparing his home for an acquaintance who wanted to buy his home. The 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 could not qualify for a loan. Real estate agents spend considerable effort weeding out showing to non-qualified and unqualified home
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