Navigating the Singapore Property Market as a Foreign Investor: What You Need to Know
Singapore, a thriving hub of business and commerce in Southeast Asia, boasts a highly developed economy and a robust real...
Read More
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:
- Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
- 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 …
7 Lesser-Known ‘Minor’ Condo Problems That Could Lead to Major Issues Down the Line
TLDR When choosing a condo, it's crucial to look beyond MRT station proximity, developer reputation, and price. Overlooked details can...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons : How Can A Reputable Real Estate Agent Help You When Investing In Singapore Property
Investing in Singapore property can be a lucrative venture, given the country's stable economy, strategic location, and high demand for...
Read More
5 Impacts Of The Singapore Government’s Cooling Measures On Property Investing
The Singapore government has implemented several cooling measures over the years to regulate the property market and prevent it from...
Read More
When Is The Best Time To Buy A New Launch?
TLDR When it comes to new property launches, timing is crucial. Early buyers often secure the best prices due to...
Read More
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
3 Property Owners Reveal Their Major Mistakes: The Pitfalls of Ill-timed Home Sales
TLDR When it comes to navigating the ups and downs of the Singapore property market, timing is crucial. Three real-life...
Read More
What Are The Key Factors That Contribute To Property Valuations And Why Are They So Crucial?
TLDR Understanding property valuations is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. Property valuations involve two...
Read More
5 Reasons : Why Investing In Commercial Real Estate Can Offer Stable Long-Term Returns
Investing in commercial real estate has become an increasingly popular choice for investors seeking stable long-term returns. There are several...
Read More
Top 5 : Places to Learn About Singapore’s History
Singapore, a bustling metropolis known for its modernity and multiculturalism, is also a treasure trove of rich history and heritage....
Read More
5 Things to Know About Singapore’s Freehold & Leasehold Properties
5 Things to Know About Singapore's Freehold & Leasehold Properties Here are 5 things you need to know about Singapore's...
Read More
Why Some New Condo Releases Outperform Others
TLDR When it comes to the real estate market, familiarity plays a crucial role in the success of larger condo...
Read More
Get Into Core Central Region Before Big Price Adjustments
TLDR Jayson Ang discusses the essential factors to consider when seeking a property for investment. By analyzing the safe entry...
Read More
The Top 10 Traits Of A Good Real Estate Agent
TLDR Jayson Ang, a reputable real estate agent in Singapore, offers extensive experience and a data-driven approach to guide clients...
Read More
Top 5 Places to Watch the Sunset in Singapore
Singapore, a bustling city-state known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture, is also home to some of the most...
Read More
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
Why Can’t More People Own Private Property?
TLDR The blog post discusses the aspirations of individuals like Siti and Mr. Tan regarding property ownership in Singapore. Siti...
Read More
Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind
TLDR: Key Takeaways from the Blog Post Singapore's real estate market offers both pros and cons for investors. The advantages...
Read More
5 Reasons Why Singapore Loves Investing in Properties
Property investing is a popular and lucrative option in Singapore due to several reasons. Firstly, Singapore's stable and growing economy...
Read More
Singapore Property Bubble Ahead? My Friends Share My Market Predictions
TLDR The author delves into various opinions on the Singapore property market for the year 2023. Experts have differing views...
Read More
