Advice is never in short supply, especially when you’re selling a home.  There are websites that inform and co-workers who advise, but some of the information you receive will be little more than myth.  Here are a few of the myths you might hear.

Set the price high so you’ve got room to negotiate.
Pricing is one of the toughest points for a Summit NJ real estate agent to discuss with a client.  A good price that is competitive in the market will drive buyers to your home.  A price set too high will drive them away.  If a buyer sees several listings similar to yours with much lower price tags, why would they bother looking at one that is overpriced?  Be a tough negotiator but don’t alienate your buying pool.

It’s the inside that really counts.
The kitchen may sell the home but the curb appeal will get buyers inside to see the kitchen.  Don’t count on a great floor plan and upgraded appliances to do all the work.  The exterior of you home gets buyers’ attention and set the stage for what they will see inside.  Unkempt yards, dated details and peeling paint always make a bad impression.  You’ll be fighting an uphill battle to sell your house.

The next owner will take care of the repairs.
They might be willing to take on a few repairs but they won’t be willing to pay full price.  Buyers looking for “fixer” will typically offer significantly less than asking price.  Make the repairs and you can list your home as “updated.”

You love your décor; so will buyers.
Your taste is just that - yours.  Don’t expect buyers to like the same colors or fabrics that you like, especially if you like to walk on the wild side of the color palette.  Try to neutralize bright colors and keep the décor simple.  Pare down your furnishings to maximize the space and allow the buyer some room to see their own things in the space.

Sell it yourself and you’ll pocket the commission.
You Summit NJ real estate agent will make a commission from selling your home; that much is true.  A good agent will also earn that commission by selling your home fast and for the best possible price.  He will help you set a price, market the home and show it, print all the flyers, place all the ads and generally do the work you don’t want to do.  Your agent is your advocate in this process and he’ll help you sell as quickly as possible.

Of course neither you nor your Summit NJ real estate agent would ever really want to ruin a closing date.  After all that work finding a home, making the offer and negotiating a final price the last thing you’d want to do is make a mistake that could cause a significant delay or even cost you your dream home.  Here’s a short list of a few mistakes that could do just that.

Forget the check.
Your agent will let you know the exact amount you need to bring to the closing table.  This has to be a certified cashier’s check, not a personal check.  Verify when you pick up the check that it is made out for exactly the right amount.  Any discrepancy will likely mean a rescheduled closing date.  And don’t leave the check at home.

Spend all your cash.
Keep some cash in reserve for your closing.  You won’t have the final tally till just a few days ahead so put off buying the new furniture or lawn tractor till after you close. 

Leave the documents at home.
If your Summit NJ real estate agent tells you to bring a piece of paper to the closing, bring it.  If you think you might need it, bring it.  It’s better to have document you didn’t need than to delay your closing by not having the ones you did need.  Some of these may need to be notarized to be sure to check with your agent.

Fail to complete contracted tasks.
As a seller, you and your buyer may have negotiated certain tasks, like repairs, that must be completed prior to closing.  If you fail to complete the list, you have not fulfilled you part of the contract and you could risk losing your buyer.

Show up really late.
Your closing attorney, the real estate agents and the other party to the sale all have other appointments.  Be on time for your closing or your attorney may have to reschedule it.

Change lenders at the last minute.
Arranging financing is not a task that is best left to the last minute.  Give you lender sufficient time to process your applications to ensure you have your financing ready for the closing.  If you make a switch in the middle of the process, you may not have your loan in line when you need it.  A seller may not be willing or able to wait.

Quit your job or get divorced.
Any major life change just prior the purchase of a home can upset your financing.  A divorce or job loss can put a quick end to dreams of home ownership.  If your personal life is not currently stable, it’s best to wait a bit before attempting to buy a house.