Recently, the Tampa Bay Times published an article about why so many sellers are dropping their prices – despite it still being a seller’s market. And it begs an interesting question: If inventory is low, why are prices dropping?

The problem, they say, is that sellers assume that a hot market means they can get top dollar for their home. But what other mistakes can sellers avoid in order to sell quickly and for top dollar?

Here, we recap a recent article on Investopedia which addresses nine of the biggest mistakes sellers make – that you can avoid.

Mistake 1: Being Emotional

It’s understandable: This isn’t a house; it’s your home. And that makes the process decidedly more emotional for you. But once you decide to sell, thinking of yourself as a businessperson and a home seller, rather than as the home’s owner, so you can objectively manage the process.

Mistake 2: Not Hiring an Agent

Although sellers’ agents earn a hefty commission, trying to sell your home on your own – if you haven’t done it before – isn’t a good idea. That commission, though it may seem sizeable upfront, could ultimately mean their experience yields you top dollar on your home in the end.

Mistake 3: Price

People will only pay what they think something is worth, so setting the right asking price is critical. Again, this is where it helps to be objective and not emotional, setting a price based on your love of a home and not fair-market value. And be prepared to negotiate to allow the buyers to feel like they’re getting a good deal.

Mistake 4: Listing Photos

Just as you eat with your eyes first, your photos will likely be the first thing prospective buyers see – so do not skimp on photos. More is more here. Photos should be crisp, clear, bright, and should showcase your home’s best assets. And consider using a wide-angle lens if possible.

Mistake 5: Insurance

With strangers on your property, you’ll want to make sure you are insured in case someone has an accident while touring. You’ll also want to make sure that there aren’t any obvious hazards at the property and that you take steps to mitigate them.

Mistake 6: Disclosures

Any issues with the property will be uncovered during the inspection, so don’t try to hide them. Fix the problem ahead of time, lower the price of the property accordingly, or list the property at a normal price but offer the buyer a credit to fix the problem.

Mistake 7: Home Prep

There are no two ways about it: You must clean and stage your homes to sell. Fix that pesky broken doorknob – or risk inadvertently leading your a potential buyer to think that your home may have larger, costlier issues that you also haven’t addressed. Declutter, clean, paint and keep it smelling fresh.

Mistake 8: Scheduling

Sure, showings can be inconvenient when you occupy the home you’re selling but if someone wants to view it, accommodate them regardless. And be sure to clean and declutter the house before every single visit. No excuses. It’s a lot of work, but keep your eyes on the prize.

Mistake 9: Unqualified Buyers

Don’t be afraid to request that a buyer bring a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender or proof of funds for cash purchases. Also remember that signing a contract with a buyer whose purchase of your home is contingent on the sale of their property may cause issues if you need to close by a particular date.

While there’s no fool-proof way to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, there is one thing that can make a world a difference: Having the support, guidance and expertise of experienced real estate professionals from DeLeon Sheffield Company.

Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’