- Refuse the first offer. Very, very often the first offer is the best you’ll get. Usually the longer a property sits on the market the less it is perceived to be worth.
- Don’t counter a low bid. Even if an offer is “insulting” in your view, counter it. The would-be buyer may only be trying to determine the lowest price.
- Price high. Everyone wants to get the most for their home. But it’s the market, not your expectations, that drives the sale price.
- Hold off on repairs. Not only will repairs make your place look better, they’ll probably cost less than if you have do them in a rush after a buyer’s inspection.
- Pretend there’s a bidding war. Maybe you do have another offer, but these days few home-shoppers are liable to believe you.
- Adhere to – or worse, advertise – a “firm” price. You might as well just tell your buyers to go somewhere else.
- Attend your own open house – You don’t want to know what people say about your home; that’s why an agent keeps the process professional. And would-be buyers want to see the place as their home, not yours.
