Fraud Blocker
Your search results

Five Pitfalls of Selling a Home for the First Time

Posted by Jayson Ang on July 23, 2023
| 0

TLDR

When selling your first home, avoid holding out for a better offer as it may backfire. Let your agent handle house viewings to prevent coming off as pushy. Be cautious about recouping renovation costs in the asking price as design tastes vary. Consider the comfort of your current neighborhood before moving. Sell high, but keep in mind the costs associated with buying in a seller’s market. Remember, everyone’s situation is unique when deciding whether to buy, sell, or wait.

Buying and selling a first home is a huge undertaking, both physically and financially. It’s normal to feel apprehensive about it and worry about making mistakes – no one wants to end up with regrets.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of other people’s regrets from when they first sold their homes, so that you can learn from their experiences and sidestep any blunders.

#1: Holding Out For A Better Offer

Selling high is the goal for everyone, however, it takes a special knack to be able to spot a serious buyer, particularly when they don’t look well-off. There is often sorrow on the part of sellers who reject an acceptable bid in hopes of a more substantial one, only to find that it doesn’t come through.

If the buyer with the higher offer has not done their financial calculations properly and has overvalued their capacity to pay, they might not purchase your house after all.

In extreme cases, they may be trying to pull a fast one on you by making a high offer so that you turn away all other potential buyers, allowing them to commence negotiations from a position of strength, which may result in you accepting a significantly lower price.

Often, sellers will disregard the initial offer, assuming it is just the start of many to come, only to be surprised when they realize that was their best bet.

Going back to a buyer you have turned down can give the impression that your property is not as coveted as you thought and they may not offer the same amount again.

Consequently, real estate agents suggest that the most legitimate offers come from buyers who are ready to sign the Offer to Purchase agreement and pay a deposit for the property.

#2: Being A “Hardsell”

When it comes to house viewings, let your agent do the job for you.

Despite the fact that you know your home best, having your agent show your house to buyers allows them to make their own opinion without feeling any pressure to purchase.

Moreover, your agent will be able to better highlight the features of your house and convince buyers to say yes to the deal!

Although you may find your house tranquil and peaceful, buyers may not agree as it may lack amenities in the vicinity.

Keep in mind that you have lived in this home for at least 5 years now, and so you may be emotionally connected to it; but buyers will not have this same bond and you could end up unintentionally coming across as “hardselling” or desperate.

#3: Trying To Recoup Your Renovation Costs

If you don’t plan to stay in your home for the long-haul, it’s best to avoid splurging on renovations. Trying to incorporate these costs into your asking price, in hopes that a “beautifully renovated” property will entice buyers, is misguided. To prevent yourself from getting too carried away, this should serve as a caution.

At the outset, it’s important to remember that design tastes can vary greatly. Therefore, if you have invested heavily in a highly-styled makeover, but your neighbor’s unit looks much more simple and modern, it is likely that their unit will sell faster – buyers save a lot of money on hacking and stripping away those renovations.

Furthermore, if you don’t price your unit fairly in a market with an unfavorable supply-to-demand ratio, you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage.

#4: Moving Out Of The Comfort Zone

Moving out of the familiar can be an exciting prospect – especially to somewhere more exciting – like the city fringe. But what happens when you realise the amenities and familiar faces of your old neighbourhood have been left behind?

Adjusting to a new area can take time and while a house might be perfect for your needs, regret can set in when the neighbourhood simply doesn’t suit you.

Before deciding to make the leap out of your comfort zone and move, it is wise to pay frequent visits to the area you intend to settle in and observe its atmosphere, people, amenities, transport, and the overall vibe of the area, both during the day and at night.

This is vital, as one may be disappointed if they are accustomed to living in a bustling neighbourhood that is alive with activities, such as late-night supper spots, and find themselves in a more affluent area that shuts down after store hours.

#5: Sell High, Buy High

If you’re selling your home in a seller’s market with no other place to go, you’ll inevitably have to buy in a seller’s market too.

That sense of joy at making a record-high sale can vanish quickly when you realise that most of your profit will go towards stamp duties, legal fees, renovations, and other miscellaneous costs. Who knows, you may even end up losing money!

If you plan ahead, it can truly be beneficial; you must find a replacement home that is within your budget after factoring in all expenses.

Renting until you can find a place to make a profit may sound tempting, but it’s best to avoid it; rent prices tend to go up when the market is in a seller’s favor.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

  1. Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
  2. Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …


6 Misleading Claims Property Agents Often Make That Savvy Buyers Are Aware Of
All Buying Tips Opinion

6 Misleading Claims Property Agents Often Make That Savvy Buyers Are Aware Of

TLDR Real estate agents can sometimes use deceptive tactics to push sales. Be cautious of claims about other interested buyers,...
Read More
“I Kept My Condo Empty for 7 Years” – Here’s What Singaporeans Living Overseas Do With Their Properties Back Home
All Opinion

“I Kept My Condo Empty for 7 Years” – Here’s What Singaporeans Living Overseas Do With Their Properties Back Home

TLDR In today's global workforce, many Singaporeans find themselves working abroad, raising questions about the management of their local properties....
Read More
Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Thai Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a food lover's paradise. Among the myriad of dining options available,...
Read More
Should You Splash Your Cash on a Condo Despite the Sky-High PSF?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Should You Splash Your Cash on a Condo Despite the Sky-High PSF?

TLDR The blog post discusses various aspects of investing in condos in Singapore, covering topics such as leasehold versus freehold...
Read More
Top 5 Must-Know Facts about Luxury Properties in Districts 9 of Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Must-Know Facts about Luxury Properties in Districts 9 of Singapore

Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its impressive skyline and vibrant economy, has always been an attractive destination for property...
Read More
What Is The Best Location To Purchase A House To Ensure Your Child Has The Highest Probability Of Attending A Well-Renowned Primary School?
All Buying Tips Opinion

What Is The Best Location To Purchase A House To Ensure Your Child Has The Highest Probability Of Attending A Well-Renowned Primary School?

TLDR Parents often seek homes within 1km of desired primary schools to increase enrollment chances. Consider oversubscription rates and population...
Read More
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Singapore

Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Singapore Singapore, a vibrant city-state located in Southeast Asia, is known for its diverse culture,...
Read More
Beyond Buying: Innovative Strategies for Property Investment Success
All Buying Tips Opinion

Beyond Buying: Innovative Strategies for Property Investment Success

TLDR The world of property investment and real estate trends offers vast opportunities. Stay informed with effective property investment strategies...
Read More
The Significance of Choosing the Right Condo: A Real-Life Tale of Two $1.8 Million Investments with Significantly Different Results.
All Buying Tips Opinion

The Significance of Choosing the Right Condo: A Real-Life Tale of Two $1.8 Million Investments with Significantly Different Results.

TLDR When contemplating property investments in Singapore, consider various factors like rental performance, unit count, access to train lines, and...
Read More
Top 5 Places to Buy Local Art in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Places to Buy Local Art in Singapore

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is not only known for its breathtaking cityscape, delectable food, and shopping...
Read More
Debunked! 6 Popular Property Myths of 2023, Including the 99-1 Loophole – Legal or Not?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Debunked! 6 Popular Property Myths of 2023, Including the 99-1 Loophole – Legal or Not?

TLDR This blog post delves into various aspects of the Singapore property market, including topics such as decoupling, 99-1 property...
Read More
4 Fresh Trends among Young Homebuyers Could Shake Things up in Singapore’s Real Estate Scene
All Buying Tips

4 Fresh Trends among Young Homebuyers Could Shake Things up in Singapore’s Real Estate Scene

TLDR Younger generation in Singapore is reshaping house hunting by showing a preference for quality of life over location. Millennials...
Read More
Case Study : With Income Of $180K per Annum, Which Options Should I Choose?
All Blog Posts Opinion

Case Study : With Income Of $180K per Annum, Which Options Should I Choose?

TLDR When making property decisions in Singapore, it's crucial to consider various factors like affordability, loan-to-value ratios, and CPF requirements....
Read More
Discover the Benefits of a SORA Home Loan in 2023: Why Consider SORA Interest Rates
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Discover the Benefits of a SORA Home Loan in 2023: Why Consider SORA Interest Rates

TLDR The article discusses the transition from SIBOR and SOR to SORA as the new benchmark rate in Singapore's banking...
Read More
Using CPF Funds to Finance Your HDB Flat or Private Property in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide
All Buying Tips

Using CPF Funds to Finance Your HDB Flat or Private Property in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the extent to which your CPF savings can be utilized for the acquisition of a HDB home in Singapore,...
Read More
Top 5 Places to Try Durian in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Places to Try Durian in Singapore

Durian, often referred to as the "King of Fruits," is a unique and polarizing delicacy in Southeast Asia. With its...
Read More
Buy a $1M Resale HDB or a $1M Resale Condo?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Buy a $1M Resale HDB or a $1M Resale Condo?

TLDR When comparing a million-dollar HDB flat to a private property of the same value, the HDB flat offers more...
Read More
The Psychology of Property Investing: 5 Reasons Why Singaporeans Love Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

The Psychology of Property Investing: 5 Reasons Why Singaporeans Love Real Estate

Real estate investing has always been a popular way to grow wealth and secure financial stability. In Singapore, the love...
Read More
HDB Market Outlook 2023
All Blog Posts

HDB Market Outlook 2023

TLDR: Understanding the HDB Market Outlook 2023 The HDB resale market showed resilience in 2022, with significant growth in sales...
Read More
7 Frequently Overlooked Questions That New Condo Buyers Should Ask At The Showflat To Avoid Any Regrets In The Future!
All Buying Tips Opinion

7 Frequently Overlooked Questions That New Condo Buyers Should Ask At The Showflat To Avoid Any Regrets In The Future!

TLDR Newly launched condominium buyers face uncertainties about price changes, proximity to schools, construction methods, maintenance costs, elevator availability, commercial...
Read More
1 2 3 27

Compare Listings