Mistake #1: Pricing your property too high. Every seller obviously wants to get the most money possible. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your property at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price. 

Mistake #2: Mistaking a re-finance appraisal for the market value. There's a difference between an "appraisal" and a "re-finance appraisal." Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is. Sometimes they simply do a ride-by. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask us for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.
            The appraised value of a house is a certified appraiser's formal opinion of the worth of a home at a given point in time, and states the market value, or what price the home will bring at a given point in time. A CMA (comparative market analysis) is an informal estimate of market value, based on sales of comparable properties. Either a current appraisal or a CMA is the most accurate way to determine what a home is worth. 
 
Mistake #3: Getting the house ready to show. When preparing to show your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make all needed repairs unless you want the house to be discounted as a fixer-upper. Clean, organize and declutter. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers. 

Mistake #4:  Trying to "hard sell" while showing. Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions. Your Realtor will most likely ask you to leave when the house is shown. Why?  Because lurking sellers make buyers nervous. Buyers don't feel comfortable inspecting the house when they feel they are intruding in your personal space.

Mistake #5: Trying to sell to "Looky-Loos." A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a "for sale" sign he sees riding by may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a Realtor are a good six or more months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to move. Your Realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer's purchasing power. This will help avoid wasting valuable time in marketing toward the wrong people.

Mistake #6: Not knowing your rights and responsibilities. It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kind of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7: Limiting the marketing and advertising of the property. Your Realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques. Your Realtor should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your Realtor is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job, too, so you may not be able to get in touch with many potential buyers.