get into too many long discussions with the buyers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments. Watch what is said in discussing items related to the house and neighborhood. Remember, this could be their new home. You’re no doubt excited about moving. But buyers will start second guessing. A casual statement about the house “really being too small for a growing family,” or "that neighbor across the way will sometimes throw an occasional party or get together every now and again" or “the schools are going through some changes” might be enough innocent chatter to squash their interest.
Underestimating Closing Costs
Many sellers only consider the money they are selling their home for. They don’t appropriately calculate all the costs associated with the sale. Zillow lays out the following list of expenses: • Real estate commission, if you use an agency to sell. • Advertising costs, signs, posts, and other fees, if you plan on selling it For Sale By Owner. • Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees. • Excise/Gains tax for the sale, if applicable. • Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, homeowner association fees, and utilities. • Any other fees sometimes paid by the seller (escrow, title, county & city transfer tax fees, HOA fees (if applicable), disclosure reports, appraisals, inspections, buyer’s closing costs, etc.).
Spending Earnest Money Given to You
Do not believe that earnest money given at the time an offer is accepted is yours until the deal has closed and been recorded. There are too many stories about sellers who spent the deposit
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