I've met with many people over the years and I like to ask this question of them to find out what they would like to have known to make things easier. With these answers, I like to prepare my sellers in advance as to what can happen. These are just a few items
1. Some buyers may not be as qualified as they appear. Most buyers will already have a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter in hand when they make an offer. But sometimes these buyers may have circumstances that won't show up until after they have made the offer. We had one property that had more than one buyer that couldn't close. They each had a different issue, but all of them had to walk away for one reason or another. It happens from time to time, so be prepared for it if it does happen to you.
2. Showings requests may be for inconvenient times of the day. Yes, a 1 pm showing request may be during nap-time, but we need to try to accommodate all showing and preview requests. Sometimes it isn't possible for the buyer's schedule to shift the showing of your home by an hour or two. If you reject the showing request, they may just skip your home altogether.
3. Can we wait to make updates until after the home has been on the market for a little while? Our saying is: You only get one time to make a first impression. Many buyers will get the "feel" of the home immediately. Their initial impression is very important. If you offer as part of the sale, "buyer to choose new carpeting" they still are looking at the worn out carpeting and not thinking of the new carpet. Also, Make updates well in advance so that you can enjoy the newness for a while. I've heard this one many times. Last minute updates to a home. Many people will say "I wish i had done this earlier" or "I wish I had done this years ago." If you are going to replace the carpeting and appliances before you sell the house, may as well have some usage out of it first.
4. We can always lower the price later. Again, the saying goes: You only get one time to make a first impression. See this post about lowering the price later.
5. Make sure the agent has some unique marketing ideas. Dedicated website for your home? Unique postcards? Virtual tour? Professional photography? What will help increase the chance of a sale?
