Selling mistakes to avoid

(FOX Providence) - Spring is here, and the selling season is now in full force. If you have your house on the market or are considering selling, you'll want to hear what real estate expert Steve Antoni has to say. He joined The Rhode Show with important tips.

The Rhode Show: How important is pricing?

Steve Antoni: Overpricing the home is the biggest mistake a seller can make. Home values have dropped considerably since their peak in 2006, but sellers still are often tempted to list a home based on what they paid for it. Eventually they realize their error and have to reduce their price, sometimes several times. By that time, the freshness of the listing has worn off. If you’re selling your house, you’ll receive the most interest when you first put it up for sale. You want to capture that market when you have them, not lose them because of unrealistic pricing.

A good Realtor will help you size up your competition currently on the market, not just the homes that have already sold. Evaluate homes with a listing price similar to yours to see how well yours stacks up against the competition and how you could give yours the edge.

The Rhode Show: As far as getting the edge, are there upgrades or things that sellers should do to make their home show better than the competition’s?

Steve Antoni: First impressions are critically important but a lot of sellers fail to take into account the home’s curb appeal. De-clutter, clean… even places that aren’t typically seen, like the closets. Make sure the yard is well manicured, particularly the area leading up to the entrance. Try to look at your home with fresh eyes to figure out what might make a bad impression on a buyer. Do the minor repairs and if you’re confused as to how far to go on those, talk to your Realtor.

And don’t forget, people don’t have to visit the home to spot things that turn them off. In today’s internet world, a lot of people will form a first impression of your home online. If that impression isn’t good, they won’t even make it to the door. Be sure to include lots of high-resolution photos of the interior, including of the areas in a home that buyers most care about, such as kitchen, living spaces, and bathrooms. If you don’t like what you see, your Realtor may be able to recommend a home stager who can help you make your home look more appealing to buyers.

The Rhode Show: That’s all good advice, are there any other mistakes that sellers should avoid?

Steve Antoni: Lurking sellers or seller agents may make buyers nervous. Other real estate agents often want privacy with their buyers so they can gather true feedback about the house. It’s best not to be hovering around while your house is being shown.

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