Top 5 Historical Landmarks in Singapore
Singapore, a bustling cosmopolitan city-state, is known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. This small yet vibrant nation...
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 …
Pitfalls of Owning a Boutique Condo: 5 Insider Insights You’ll Wish You Knew Earlier
TLDR When considering boutique condos, be mindful of potential drawbacks such as dominating families influencing rules, lack of privacy due...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : How to Avoid Scams in Singapore’s Property Market – Expert Tips and Warnings!
The property market in Singapore is a thriving and lucrative industry, attracting both local and foreign investors. However, with the...
Read More
The Top 5 Tax Considerations When Investing In Singapore Property
When investing in Singapore property, it is essential to be aware of the various tax implications and considerations. Here are...
Read More
The Top 5 Impact Of Singapore’s Ageing Population On The Property Market And Investment Opportunities
Singapore's ageing population is having a significant impact on the property market and investment opportunities. The top five effects include:...
Read More
Top 5 : Regret Buying An Old Condo in Singapore
In the bustling city-state of Singapore, the real estate market is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. As of 2023, new...
Read More
Subscribe to Jayson Ang’s Singapore Property Newsletter
TLDR Jayson Ang's Singapore Property Newsletter offers valuable insights on real estate investments, market trends, and expert advice. The newsletters...
Read More
Top 5 : Dangerous Ideas Singapore Property Investors Have
Singapore's property market has long been considered a safe and lucrative investment option for both local and foreign investors. The...
Read More
Reasons Why En-Bloc Sales Are Expected to Remain Slow in 2025
TLDR From 2014 to 2024, the en-bloc market has faced challenges due to fluctuating cooling measures and a shift from...
Read More
Four Things to Avoid When Renting Out an HDB Flat
TLDR Renting out an HDB flat in Singapore can be a lucrative source of secondary income. Key considerations include adhering...
Read More
5 Tips : How To Spot A Good Investment Opportunity In Singapore’s Property Market
Singapore's property market offers a plethora of investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors. To spot a good investment...
Read More
Top 5 Cafes in Singapore for Brunch
Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and flavors, offers an incredible array of culinary experiences to tantalize your taste buds....
Read More
Unforgettable Vacation: The Ultimate Guide To Singapore’s 5 Best Hotels
Unforgettable Vacation: The Ultimate Guide To Singapore's 5 Best Hotels It's 五新房产, Singapore is a vibrant and exciting destination, known...
Read More
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 Questions to Ask : Is Singapore Property Investment for Me?
Singapore has long been a popular destination for property investors, both local and international. The city-state's stable economy, strong infrastructure,...
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
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
Investment 101: The Top 5 Best Long-Term Values In Singapore’s Property Market
Investment 101: The Top 5 Best Long-Term Values In Singapore's Property Market When it comes to purchasing property in Singapore,...
Read More
Why Selling Your Own HDB Flat May Be More Challenging Than You Anticipate: 7 Hidden Challenges to Prepare For
TLDR Selling your flat can be a daunting task, not because of the paperwork but due to challenges in marketing...
Read More
Are We Truly Headed For A Slowdown? How Will This Affect Property Prices?
TLDR The pandemic-induced recession has surprisingly boosted property prices in Singapore, defying conventional economic trends. Factors like cost-push inflation, limited...
Read More
