What Sellers Are Most Surprised About During The Selling Process
In today’s market I find most sellers are surprised to hear the market isn’t what it was four years ago. Many want to believe we’re still in the fast moving seller’s market where homes sold with competing offers within hours of coming on the market.
When we share the current market statistics and average days on market they are often surprised and find it hard even to accept.
They’re also surprised that we’re seeing buyers ask for closing costs and inspections again. The market was so easy for sellers for so many years. They’re talking with friends and family that sold during those times or perhaps they bought during that market and are consistently surprised when they come on the market and their home doesn't sell overnight.
I find that many sellers are surprised with the number of showings as well. They seem to still expect we’ll have tons of showings as soon as the home is listed and once again, we are no longer in that market. Most buyers are shopping online first and then in many cases will drive by homes to see the outside, the location, and the neighborhood before ever deciding which homes they want to tour.
In the heightened seller’s market there wasn’t time for that and sellers are still adjusting to this as well.
Another thing I find sellers are surprised about during the process is the condition of their home.
When we have to give news that isn’t so easy such as their home smells like animals, smoke, or particular food cooking they are really surprised in most cases. It’s as if they didn’t realize it had a particular smell. I think they get accustomed to it and don’t even realize it themselves.
It could be a good idea to ask a friend to visit and be honest about how it shows and smells. This way they can hear it ahead of time from someone other than the Realtor.
After all, it’s not so easy as a Realtor to tell sellers something like this, however absolutely necessary if they want to sell the home.
Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to neglect all the maintenance items after all
When we get to the home inspection process we definitely find sellers are surprised and even shocked when they receive the list of repairs the buyers are asking to be completed. In many cases it's truly as if they had no idea.
There are certain things that should just be regular routine maintenance and I’m not sure if anyone has ever truly educated some sellers about this.
Here’s a few items that should absolutely be maintained on an ongoing basis as a homeowner
These items especially warrant attention prior to selling. I share this because oftentimes it takes sellers off guard when we tell them these things and they wish they had known sooner
Maintain all exterior wood - Don’t allow it to chip or peel before scraping and painting. This leads to wood rot, termites, and can end up costing a lot more in the end.
It pays to pay for quarterly bug control. Getting termites or other bug infestations can cause more issues than just the bugs themselves. For a few hundred dollars a quarter you can save yourself thousands of dollars and headache by maintaining and having your home consistently monitored for termites and such.
Change your air filters monthly to every 60 days. This will ensure your system is optimally working and keep your air cleaner as well.
Have your heating and air inspected twice a year; once for summer and once for winter. Maintenance of the systems can save you money and frustration.
Have someone check your electrical and plumbing systems every few years. Getting ahead of small leaky faucets can save you thousands of dollars from major leaks occurring. Electrical goes without saying it’s important to make sure it’s all properly safe and working to avoid possible fire.
If you have lived in your home for a while and it hasn’t had a recent whole house inspection including well, septic, and radon then you should consider having one. This will reveal any current issues as well as inform you of upcoming potential problems and maintenance items that need attention. This is a good idea to have every 5-7 years.
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped every 5-7 years minimum. One of the worst and mostly costly repairs can be septic systems.
It pays to maintain rather than wait for things to break or go out! If we can help you with buying or selling here in Roanoke, VA and surrounding locations please reach out!
