It's possible that you're one of the many homeowners thinking about selling your home to take advantage of the current seller's market that exists. However, you should know that this market is characterised by a shortage of homes on the market, which has resulted in bidding wars and higher prices. If you choose to forego the tried-and-true methods that have been effective for property sellers in the past, however, you may find the process more challenging. The market is very active, but only for products that have been properly priced and prepared for sale. Without further ado, here are 7 common mistakes home sellers keep making:

Mistake 1: Pricing Too High

You want to get the most money possible for your home sale, but you also need to take into account how potential purchasers will perceive the property's worth. Overpricing your home means that you will eventually have to reduce the price, but by that time, the initial flurry of interest that comes with a fresh listing will have died down. Eventually, you’d lose time. You keep hoping (over time) that more and more people would see your work, but that never happens. Your real estate agent should provide you with an accurate assessment of how much your home is worth based on comparable transactions in the area.

Mistake 2: Choosing to Ignore Neutralization

Removing knickknacks and furniture that are specific to the current owners is a vital aspect of decluttering, but it also helps to neutralise the home so that potential buyers don't immediately associate it with the current residents. Take all of your photos, keepsakes, and other cherished belongings out of the house. You need the prospective buyers to picture themselves living in the house, not you. If you're unsure about something, trust your instincts. Just keep it simple, neat, and invigorating. That includes how you prefer things to look and feel in general. Even if your property is stunning, purchasers won't be able to see past the busy wallpaper, vivid colours, and fashionable furniture.

Mistake 3: Leaving Clutter

It might be difficult to purge personal items while still living in a home, but doing so is essential for creating an inviting atmosphere in every place. You should not only get rid of things you no longer use, but also move out any overpowering pieces of furniture. Then clean up your closets so they don't look cluttered, and stow away any decorations that reveal too much about your personality. Also, you shouldn't feel obligated to fill every available inch of space.

Mistake 4: Bypassing Crucial Maintenance

Removing the carpet and painting the walls are two simple procedures, but you should also address any severe problems. You might be hesitant to remedy major issues like a cracked foundation or a leaking roof because of the high expense involved and the likelihood that you won't recoup all of that money when you sell the house. However, it is preferable to address these concerns before selling, rather than risk having the buyer request a refund to cover the expense of the repair after the fact. By doing so, you'll have more control over the repair process and its final cost. Plus, once the house is on the market, prospective buyers will notice the updated features. The expense of fixing the roof before marketing your home can be less than the amount a buyer would deduct from an offer. If you replace your roof, you're likely to receive that (money) back in the sale price.

Mistake 5: Being Unavailable

Your top focus should be showing the house when it's on the market. As such, you should be prepared to promptly vacate the premises in showroom condition should a prospective buyer request a viewing. You shouldn't turn down a showing request, even on holidays, because the buyer is probably serious about making an offer. It might be best to hold parties or holiday gatherings elsewhere while you are trying to sell your home.

Mistake 6: Being Unwilling to Negotiate

Expect to bargain if the offer on your home is lower than you were hoping for. You may believe that your asking price is reasonable; nonetheless, a sale cannot be made until the buyer also believes that he or she would benefit. Offering to pay for the buyer's closing costs or granting credit for a little repair discovered by the home inspector can help bring the sale price up.

Mistake 7: Losing Control of Your Emotions

After years of living in the same place and sharing countless special occasions, holidays, and achievements with loved ones, it's only normal to feel sentimental about your home. However, you should approach the sale of your home like a commercial transaction. The acceptance or rejection of a cheap offer is not a reflection of the person making it. The decision to remodel a portion of your home is not intended as a personal attack on your aesthetic preferences but rather as an expression of a personal preference that differs from yours. Selling your home will go more smoothly if you treat it like a business transaction.