So many buyers dream of the moment when they find their perfect home, with amenities that check all of the key boxes on their list, an attractive appearance, and an exciting, convenient location to top it all off. Buyers are also realistic and willing to compromise... as long as the seller doesn't do something to really sabotage the sale. Whether they take bad advice with good intentions or simply don't have much experience selling homes, some sellers find a way to sabotage their sale. Our REALTORS® are here to help you avoid those unpleasant surprises, with a look at five things sellers do that sabotage sales.

1. Where's the Curb Appeal?
   The moment that a potential buyer arrives at your home is important because you want them to be impressed before they even walk through the front door. So the last thing you want is for them to arrive to a messy, overgrown yard, or a home that is in dire need of a fresh coat of paint. At a minimum, make sure that your yard is clean, your lawn is healthy, and the entrance of your home is ready to receive visitors. If you've got a little time to plan ahead, consider adding some appealing new landscaping features, or some low-cost, solar outdoor lighting to keep your curb appeal strong when the sun goes down.
   
   
2. What's that Smell?
   Maybe you have pets, or kids, or have simply lived in the same home for a very long time. No matter the reason, some homes develop smells that are less than enticing, and sure to turn off potential buyers. Take the time to clean all surfaces thoroughly, and pay special attention to places where pets may have made a mess over the years. Carpet floors can be especially stubborn about holding onto smells, but a good steam cleaning will often fix that.
   
   
3. For Sale By Owner
   Some sellers feel like they can find a better deal without working with an experienced REALTOR®, or at least want to give it a shot to avoid paying commission. Unfortunately, flying solo is often far more trouble than it's worth, and often leads to a lower sale price to boot. If you haven't yet found a REALTOR® you like, then now is the time to do some research, speak with some real estate agents, and find the right match for your needs.
   
   
4. Unrealistic Expectations
   One benefits of working with a REALTOR® is that you will have ample data to help you set a reasonable price, and avoid the drawbacks that come with having unrealistic expectations of how much a home is worth. There is no faster way to turn off potential buyers than setting an unrealistically high price, and a fair asking price makes for easier negotiations.
   
   
5. Hidden Maintenance Issues
   No matter the issue or how well-hidden it is, there is very little to gain by not being upfront about home maintenance issues when dealing with potential buyers. Try to take care of any big issues ahead of time, and let buyers know if there's something smaller that is still in the process of being fixed. Hidden maintenance problems are a recipe for last-minute snags, and the last thing you want is for the buyer to get cold feet after the home inspection process reveals an issue.

Working with an experienced REALTOR® is one of the best ways to avoid sabotaging a sale, and our team is here to help. Contact Wright-Patt Realty to buy and sell homes in the Beavercreek, OH area.