Truth is—between repairs, closing costs and commissions, the costs associated with selling your house can add up fast. Case in point: homeowners reported spending $54,616 when selling their homes, according to a recent survey from Clever Real Estate—an amount that was surprising to 42% of respondents.
Despite the costs, the majority (64%) made a profit on the sale of their home, with the median profit totaling $100,000. I’m seeing a lot of homeowners that have owned for 3-4 years or more with substantial equity in their home simply based on the precipitous appreciation we experienced.
With the right strategy, you can maximize your profits and minimize any regrets. In fact, the study also showed that sellers who worked with a real estate agent walked away with an average of $34,000 more than those who did it on their own. That’s a pretty compelling argument for having a professional on your side with your best interest at heart.
Rather than just taking my word for it, let’s take a look at:
- The costs associated with selling a home
- Regrets home sellers reported
- How you can avoid common mistakes
The Cost of Selling a Home
Selling a home at the highest possible price involves various costs. Here’s what survey respondents said they paid for, on average:
- Listing agent commission: $11,136
- Buyer’s agent commission: $10,467
- Repairs: $10,000
- Closing costs: $8,000
- Concessions: $7,200
- Moving expenses: $3,250
- Marketing: $2,300
- Staging: $2,263
Keep in mind that every transaction is different—some of these costs are negotiable, some may not be needed for every property, and some could be lower or higher based on the condition of the home or what’s happening in the local market.
Common Regrets of Home Sellers
Regret was a common sentiment among home sellers who participated in the survey, with 89% expressing some sort of regret post-sale, including 92% of those who sold without an agent.
The most common regrets about the home selling process included:
- Selling too quickly: 30%
- They miss their old home: 29%
- Not selling for enough money: 28%
- Not making enough pre-listing repairs: 26%
- Making too many concessions: 26%
- Failing to stage the home: 25%
Now, let’s get into the regrets home sellers had about their agent. Half of those surveyed say their agent “failed them” in some way. This is why who you work with matters so much.
Here’s what respondents had to say about their agent:
- Agent’s advice let them down: 57%
- Agent made mistakes with their listing: 53%
- Agent didn’t communicate enough: 50%
So, with these real life regrets from sellers, are you curious on how you can make sure these things don’t happen to you?
How to Maximize Your Home Sale
Making the most of your home sale starts with working with the right real estate agent (remember, agents help homeowners get an additional $34,000 for their home sale). I always encourage sellers to interview at least two agents, because when it comes to selling your biggest asset, having the right professional by your side is critical.
When interviewing an agent, look for the following:
- Find a Professional: Look for an agent with deep knowledge about the local market, strong negotiation skills and a solid marketing plan.
- Check References and Reviews: Look for online reviews to ensure the agent has a history of satisfied clients.
- Discuss Your Goals and Expectations: Make sure your agent understands your goals and priorities for the sale. (Do they listen to you?) In addition, be sure to ask about their communication plan.
- Evaluate Their Marketing Plan: A good agent will have a comprehensive marketing strategy to attract potential buyers by properly merchandising the property including social media, professional media (photos, video, long form, short form, etc.), renderings, floor plans, networking, and so much more that goes into maximizing exposure and sales price.
- Understand Commission Structure: Discuss the commission upfront to make sure everyone is on the same page prior to either side making any commitment.
Once you find a real estate agent you are confident with, work with them to learn what type of repairs or staging will make a difference. They will be able to walk you through the process and provide professional guidance on what matters most to buyers, so that you can attract the highest price and favorable terms.
The Bottom Line
Selling your home comes with a series of big decisions. A real estate agent is your partner in the process. You have to remember, you’re on the same team, and their expertise can mean the difference between tens-to-hundreds of thousands of dollars in your pocket.
If you have specific questions about the home selling process, a lot of your questions are answered here in my Complete Sellers Guide.
If you’d like help with your specific situation, please reach out to me directly by clicking here.