3 Things That Can Trip You Up When Selling Your Home

3 Things That Can Trip You Up When Selling Your Home

  • Kimberly Rodstein
  • 07/18/23

As South Florida’s cultural, economic, financial, and entertainment hub, Miami Beach lures newcomers and visitors worldwide. With year-round tropical weather, white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and abundant green spaces, it’s the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors and recreation. With designer storefronts, countless fine dining experiences, and luxury real estate, homes for sale in Miami Beach continue to attract the affluent and the elite. You’ll find stunning waterfront estates, high-rise condominiums, and luxurious penthouses with resort-style amenities, all close to the beaches.

Miami Beach has become a center for art, design, and architecture. It’s home to high-end creatives and professionals and hosts the annual Art Basel Miami, one of the biggest art fairs in the world. It’s also renowned for world-class entertainment, professional sports teams, and music festivals. So it should be no surprise that prime Miami Beach real estate is highly coveted by those seeking the ideal work-live-play lifestyle. If you are looking to sell your home in this seaside paradise, you can fetch a high price as long as you avoid some common pitfalls. Here are three things that can trip you up when selling your home.

Overpricing or underpricing your home

When you overprice your home, you set a listing price that is higher than its market value. Many sellers do this because they think it will give them more room for negotiations. However, the tactic can backfire and turns off potential buyers who don’t want to place lower offers on the property because they’re afraid of insulting the owners. Limited buyer interest can cause your home to spend an extended amount of time on the market. The longer your home is on the market, the more it will be perceived as flawed or undesirable. In the long run, this could actually hurt your negotiating power.

When you underprice your home, you set a listing price that is lower than its market value, and it can be as detrimental as overpricing your home. Some sellers underprice their homes in hopes of a quicker sale. Unfortunately, underpriced homes often raise the suspicion of potential buyers. They may assume the lower price means there are damages, issues, or flaws with the property. Underpricing your home might also attract less desirable buyers who are only looking for a bargain. These buyers may not be as well-qualified, leading to longer selling and closing times.

Overpricing or underpricing your home can also cause problems and issues in the whole appraisal and home sale process. Once a buyer hires a home appraiser who values your home for less than the listing price, the buyer may only be able to get a mortgage loan for the appraised value, not the listing price. Underpricing your home can lead to lower appraisals than the actual market value of your home.

Inadequate preparation and marketing

Not presenting your home for sale in the best possible light can lead to lower offers from potential buyers. Start by cleaning and decluttering your home, room by room. Empty out storage spaces, souvenirs, family photographs, and other personal items. You want potential buyers to be able to visualize the house as their own future home. When your home is clean and decluttered, you can better highlight its unique features and amenities. And don’t forget about the curb appeal. The exterior of your home should be as appealing and inviting. A clean and well-presented home, inside and out, will create a positive first impression. Buyers are more likely to develop a favorable perception of your property.

After cleaning and decluttering, we recommend you hire professionals to stage and photograph your home. Professional home stagers have the experience to showcase your home's unique features and amenities. They know how to highlight the best qualities of your home. Their expertise can create a warm and welcoming environment that resonates with potential buyers. Professional photographers can also make a big difference when marketing your home. They have the equipment to capture your home in the best light. High-quality and visually appealing images will make your home stand out from other listings. In a competitive real estate market, professional staging and photography contribute to more effective marketing and can give your home an advantage.

Poor negotiation skills

Poor negotiation skills can have a significant impact on the sale of your home. Negotiating the terms and the price is a crucial part of the home-selling process. In a real estate transaction, there are numerous negotiation points to consider. In addition to the sale price, there are also contingencies, closing terms, and repairs you and potential buyers must discuss. If you're unable to navigate these negotiations, it may result in frustrating potential buyers, prolonging the selling process, and even failing deals in the end. On the other hand, effective negotiation strategies can maximize the sale price of your home. They can help leverage the strengths of your property, navigate counteroffers, find solutions, and help you gain more favorable terms.

Inadequate negotiating skills can also result in legal and financial consequences. If you fail to negotiate essential contract terms or miss closing deadlines, you may be in breach of the contract. These can lead to potential legal disputes or financial penalties.

Work with an expert real estate agent

With 25 years of combined experience in real estate, finance, and development, Kimberly Rodstein brings unparalleled knowledge and expertise. Specializing in luxury properties in and around Miami Beach, she has helped countless clients find their dream homes and meet their real estate goals. She has won multiple awards and has been selected as the top agent out of over 8,000 in the region. As a seller’s agent, she seeks the best approach to marketing the property, attracting qualified buyers, getting the most exposure, and negotiating the terms. Call Kimberly today and have a first-rate advantage when selling your home.



Work With Kimberly

Being in a competitive market, people need a trustworthy and relentless advocate and I am that person. If you are looking to buy, sell or rent please contact me to schedule a private appointment.

Follow Me on Instagram