People sell their houses for several reasons. For instance, someone may want to downsize, relocate to another place, or simply take advantage of a profitable housing market. Whatever the reason, selling a home can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the various rules and regulations. Knowing the common mistakes people make when selling their homes and trying to avoid them can save precious money and time while reducing stress.

Refusing to hire a professional real estate agent
Many homeowners do not hire professional real estate agents because they charge high commissions, generally 5% to 6% of the house’s overall sale price. While it may seem expensive, the services of an agent are quite worth the high price, especially for those planning to sell their house for the first time. The expert will help decide a competitive and fair price for the home, which can invariably increase the chances of a quick sale. Besides, they will work as a representative while interacting with potential buyers, saving time for the homeowner.

Not setting a realistic price
Overpricing is one of the top mistakes many make. Whether working with an agent or alone, homeowners must set an appropriate asking price for the property. One way to do this is to perform a comparative market analysis of similar houses in the same neighborhood or city. Some experts say pricing the house lower is better than overpricing as it attracts buyers. Moreover, while bidding, the price invariably goes up and reaches the actual market price, so the homeowner does not make a loss.

Skimping on professional photos
Homeowners often use their smartphones to click photographs of the house and upload them to real estate websites. While this helps them save money, it can be a big mistake because amateur-looking photos lower the chances of finding the right buyers. Since most buyers look at listings online, it is important to prioritize getting professionally shot photos of the house. One can invest a small amount in camera equipment or hire the services of a professional home photographer. While clicking good pictures may take effort, it draws more people and increases the chances of a good deal.

Listing at the wrong time
Sometimes, one may want to sell the house as soon as possible due to a situation beyond their control. But selling a house is often a long-drawn process, especially if a homeowner wants a solid deal. Therefore, it is helpful to have a good strategy in place regarding when to put out the listing. Usually, some months of the year are more appropriate to sell a house than others. For instance, more people have shown interest in buying a house during the spring and summer.