Choosing your real estate professional is, perhaps, the most important decision you will make when selling property. I believe the more you look around, the more you will see the value of working with me. 

Selling a house can be a roller coaster ride for any homeowner, but, with the right preparation, it can be a very rewarding – and profitable - experience. Following are five common mistakes sellers often make. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be ahead of the game.

1. Rushing on the price
Take your time when you’re setting the asking price of your house. This is a crucial step that shouldn’t be rushed. It’s a tricky thing, and pricing too high is just as dangerous as pricing too low.

The average buyer often looks at more than a dozen houses before making a decision. That means buyers have the advantage of comparison shopping. If your house isn’t reasonably priced, you may lose that perfect sale. Work with your agent to set the very best asking price.

2. Thinking first impressions don’t matter
First impressions count in a big way! If a seller hasn’t taken time to declutter and clean his house, he may lose the sale before a walk-through even begins.

Buyers can’t help but respond to your house emotionally. It the house is messy or there’s a strange smell coming from behind a closed door, they’ll likely make a quick exit and look for another house.

Working with an Accredited Staging Professional can pay off in a big way.  Professionally staged homes are known to sell for more money and in less time than non staged homes.

It may take some elbow grease on your part, but any effort you invest into preparing your house will pay off in the long run.

When buyers preview your house, they’re more comfortable and will spend more time when you’re not around. This would be a good time to run those errands or walk the dog.

3. Keeping a low profile
It’s a competitive market out there, and this isn’t the time for you – or your Realtor® – to become a shrinking violet. You want someone who will shout your home’s praises from the rooftops (figuratively, of course)! Make sure your Realtor® takes full advantage of all the marketing tools he or she can.

The majority of homebuyers start their search on the Internet. Is your Realtor® taking advantage of that technology? Does your Realtor® have a website? Can potential buyers easily find your house listed in a search and find feature? Once they do, is it easy to contact your Realtor® for information? Does your Realtor® list enough detailed information about your house? Buyers are often impatient and won’t take kindly to waiting for a Realtor® to call back with information. They want to access facts about your house quickly and easily – or they might move on.

4. Breezing through the contract
Don’t make the mistake of taking the Purchase & Sale contract lightly. Protect yourself and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. It’s important that all of the costs, terms and responsibilities are included.

Have you disclosed everything about your house? Share all known defects with your buyer in writing via the Seller Disclosure Statement.  This document is required under Washington State Law and it's important that you complete it thoroughly and to the best of your ability.

5. Choosing the wrong real estate agent
This is the time for you, the seller, to shop around. You’ll spend a lot of time with the Realtor® you choose, so make sure he or she is someone you enjoy being around and can trust.

Ask lots of questions. Are your communication styles similar? Do your schedules mesh? Is there an easy way to contact the Realtor®? Is he or she someone others have recommended? Does she know the local area and the housing market? What are the Realtor® marketing strategies?

Take your time and find a Realtor® you enjoy and trust.

Make first impressions count.   Without a doubt, a visually appealing house will attract buyers, who can't help but respond to the look and "feel" of a house. Take time to carefully prepare for showings. Don't forget the following:

• Cut the grass
• Remove any clutter from the yard
• Trim hedges
• Weed gardens
• Wash steps, windows, railings, doors, etc
• Paint if needed
• Remove unnecessary clutter from garages

Scrub, dust and fix up the works.  Buyers will notice details. Get rid of the clutter, repair leaky faucets, wage war on dust and clean until your home shines. Small things can make a potential buyer walk away. When you prepare your house for showing, remember to:

• Shampoo carpets
• Clean tubs, toilets and showers and hang fresh towels
• Oil squeaky doors
• Fix things like broken hinges and light switches 

Listen to suggestions.   Staging your home is critical to obtaining the highest price with the best terms.  As you prepare your house, don't rely solely on your own judgement. It's hard to be objective when you're the owner. Selecting a Realtor® who is also an Accredited Staging Professional will put you ahead of the game in providing helpful, professional tips on how to make your house more marketable.

Take a whiff.  Nothing will turn a buyer away faster than an odd smell. Try to eliminate smoking, food and pet odors. And don't leave any clues. If potential buyers see a cat, dog or an ashtray, they'll be on the lookout for smells and stains.

Turn on the lights. Open shades and draperies before a viewing. Open all doors inside home. Turn on inside and outside lights.

Let potential buyers "see" themselves in your house. Too many personal items can make viewers feel like they're intruding in someone else's personal space. Keep things clean and simple. Decorate in neutral colors.

Get out of the house. When buyers view your house, they'll be more comfortable and spend more time if you're not there. If you must be present, be as unobtrusive as possible. Let your agent do the work.

Stay unemotional during negotiations.   Selling your home can be emotionally charged, but don't let that stand in the way of making a deal. It is no longer your home, but a product for sale.  Have a business-like attitude during the process.

Choose a Realtor® you like and trust.