As the busy spring real estate season approaches, it's likely that more homeowners will begin putting their houses on the market, creating some new options for potential buyers. For those hoping to unload a property quickly, there are some important mistakes that experts agree must be avoided.
"The longer a house sits on the market, the more it gets stigmatized," industry professional Deirdre Lohan told MSN Real Estate. "People ask, 'What's wrong with that house?' and 'Why hasn't it sold?'"
If your home just isn't selling, consider some of these reasons why:
Awful photos – It's essential for people to clean up their houses before taking pictures for the real estate agent to use in the listing. If interested buyers see that a home is messy, they may wonder what other parts of the property the owner has neglected.
Poor condition – It's almost always worthwhile for the seller to take some time to fix obvious issues before putting their house on the market.
Undesirable decor – Everyone's tastes are different, but if the property's interior appears tacky and dated to the average person, that could be a deterrent. If a prospective buyer knows, for example, that he or she will have to spend a significant amount of time and money taking down the bold wallpaper featured in every room, he or she may not be as interested in the home.
As the economy continues to improve, now may be a good time for potential homebuyers to take advantage of low mortgage rates and reasonable prices. With that in mind, lenders should invest in loan management software to ensure that borrowers can stay on top of their monthly payments.