Selling a home can be an exciting and lucrative venture. However, like any real estate transaction, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you're a first-time seller or have prior experience, it is in your interest to understand and anticipate issues and occurrences that can throw a transaction off track.

Here are some common obstacles owners encounter when selling their homes — and some positive actions that can be taken to avoid them:

1. Pricing your home incorrectly — Overpricing can deter potential buyers, while underpricing can create a financial loss. A knowledgeable real estate agent can conduct a comparative market analysis to determine the right price for your property. This includes consideration of recent sales of comparable properties in your area, the condition of your home and current market trends.
2. Failing to make necessary repairs — Buyers prefer move-in-ready homes. Before listing your property, inspect it thoroughly and address any issues that might be deal-breakers. Focus on essential areas like the roof, plumbing, electrical systems and obvious defects like floor, wall and ceiling cracks and blemishes.
3. Ignoring curb appeal — First impressions matter, and a poorly maintained exterior can turn off potential buyers before they even step inside. Enhance your home's frontage by landscaping, painting, fixing imperfections and making sure pathways, steps and porches are in good shape.
4. Not staging your home —A professionally staged home helps buyers envision themselves living there and can lead to quicker sales and higher offers. If hiring a stager isn't in your budget, consider decluttering, depersonalizing and strategically arranging furniture to make your home feel more inviting.
5. Handling negotiations ineffectively — Emotional attachment to your home may cloud your judgment. It's more advantageous to remain objective and open to reasonable offers. A skilled real estate agent can drive negotiations, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
6. Failing to disclose property issues — California law requires sellers to disclose any known material defects in their property. Failing to do so can lead to legal issues down the road. You should be transparent about your property's condition and history. Keep all relevant documents and be prepared to answer questions from potential buyers honestly.
7. Not seeking legal guidance — An experienced real estate attorney can draft and revise contracts, carry on productive negotiations and effectively deal with any unexpected legal issues that may arise during the transaction.

Selling your home can be a lucrative transaction when you're well-prepared and take positive steps to overcome potential obstacles. By pricing your home right, maintaining it and seeking professional guidance, you can increase your chances of a successful and profitable sale.

Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC has decades of practical experience providing sound real estate law advice and effective representation for clients in Solano, Contra Costa, and Napa counties. Please call our firm at 707-674-6057 or contact us online.