Myth Busters: 5 Misconceptions and Truths About Selling Your Home

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the dos and don’ts of selling your home? With an immense amount of information and advice available to sellers, it can be hard to navigate through myth and truth. To help you execute an efficient selling experience, we’ve busted five of these misconceptions and illuminated the truth. Feel confidence on the journey to selling your home. 

Myth 1: I can only sell my home during the spring.

Truth: The spring market is valuable because many people are selling or shopping for homes. But, it isn’t your only option. If it makes more sense for you to sell during a different season, that’s okay.

The real estate market is in full bloom in the spring, but is it the only option for sellers? No! Different seasons bring new obligations and opportunities in each of our lives. Make the decisions on the best time to sell your home based on your individual needs. 

While spring may be a desirable time for sellers and shoppers, there will also be increased competition. Selling during summer, fall, or winter may help your home stand out! Mortgage rates are one of the most important factors for buyers, so they will most likely be looking to buy when mortgage rates are low rather than when the tulips are blooming. 

Myth 2: Selling my home for the highest price is always the best goal.

Truth: Real estate goals vary person-to-person. Your agent will help you list your home in the best way to achieve those goals. This might mean lowering the price of your home so it sells faster.

Agents price homes based on your individual real estate goals while considering outside factors. Where should your house fall within the local market? What price will be most attractive to buyers in your area? How can you price your home to increase the likelihood of a speedy sell? Real estate agents are experts in their field with the contemporary knowledge to answer these questions! 

A listing can be considered “stale” if it remains on the market for more than 45 days. You can prevent your listing from becoming stale by being attentive to market and price trends with the help of an agent. An amazing home can go undetected if it is listed for the wrong price. Help the perfect buyer find your home by working with an experienced agent to make sure the price is right!

Myth 3: Selling without an agent will save money.

Truth: Real estate agents work with you pre-listing to closing to ensure the entire selling process goes smoothly. They collect and understand paperwork, list, market, schedule,  negotiate offers, answer calls, and more. 

If you value independence, you may feel the allure of putting your house on the market for sale by owner. This can be a good option for some sellers, but the idea that it always saves money is a myth. In fact, people who sold their home with an agent earned $46,603 more in average profits than those who sold without an agent in 2022 and 2023. 

Real estate is complicated! This is why experienced agents are a vital asset during the selling process. It is their job to to know the ins and outs of the local market. Working with an agent, like the team at Vermont Real Estate Company, creates a valuable partnership that benefits everyone. Convenience and reliability are priceless. While you are juggling your personal, professional, and social life, your real estate agent has one job— to guide you through the selling process.

Myth 4: I must have an open house to make my home sell faster.

Truth: Open houses are a great way for multiple people to see your home all at once. If you would prefer not to have an open house, potential buyers can schedule home tours to see your home instead.

At open houses, homeowners invite the public into their home to boost interest and engage with potential buyers. They are appealing to buyers because they can physically picture themselves inside of the home and get a feel for the space. 

Although they can be a great way to get buyers in the door, open houses are not the only option for home viewings. Open houses can be chaotic with an unpredictable number of people entering your home in just a few hours. They may not get the best sense of your home while exploring it in the company of many other people. The hope is that prepared and interested buyers will be engaging with the open house, but some attendees may not be serious about your property. For these reasons, you may prefer buyers to schedule individual tours of your home in a more controlled and intimate setting. 

Myth 5: I will get a complete return-on-investment for my renovations.

Truth: Although certain renovations might make your home more likely to sell, there’s a chance you won’t get a 100% return-on-investment. If you’re planning to list your home, consult an agent to decide which renovations are absolutely necessary to achieve your real estate goals.

You’re proud of the renovations you made to improve your home, and while it’s valid to hope for a 100% return-on-investment, it can never be guaranteed. Understand that more expensive renovations are not more likely to give you a ROI. Room additions have a good return on investment, while swimming pools do not. 

If you are looking for guidance on what renovations are most likely to increase the value of your home, you can contact one of our expert agents who is acutely aware of trends and recents success in your area. Renovations should be decided on an individual case basis to make any necessary fixes and amplify the charm of your home.

Ready to bust more myths about the selling process? Connect with a friendly and knowledgeable agent today to answer all of your questions.