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 …


Want To Buy A Property? Read Me First!
All Buying Tips

Want To Buy A Property? Read Me First!

TLDR Understanding the key factors involved in buying property in Singapore is crucial for making informed decisions. Consider your investment...
Read More
Singapore’s Urban Landscape Transformation: 5 Key Things You Need to Know
Mandarin Top 5

Singapore’s Urban Landscape Transformation: 5 Key Things You Need to Know

Singapore's urban landscape has undergone significant changes over the years, with the city constantly evolving to create a sustainable and...
Read More
Introducing Top 5 Power Property Tips
Mandarin Top 5

Introducing Top 5 Power Property Tips

Hello, everyone!  We are excited to welcome you to our blog posts!  On this blog, we will be sharing daily...
Read More
Top 5 Bakeries in Singapore for Fresh Bread and Pastries
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Bakeries in Singapore for Fresh Bread and Pastries

Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and flavors, is well-known for its diverse culinary scene. Among the many gastronomic delights...
Read More
7 Essential Steps to Sell Your House in Singapore
All Opinion Selling Tips

7 Essential Steps to Sell Your House in Singapore

TLDR When preparing to sell your house, research the average prices in your area for a realistic figure. Consider factors...
Read More
Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Commercial Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!

Singapore, a thriving business hub in Southeast Asia, offers a robust real estate market with diverse investment opportunities. While residential...
Read More
Top 5 : Best Themed Cafes in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : Best Themed Cafes in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant and diverse city, is known for its eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. Among the many...
Read More
Top 5 Tips : Finding the Right Property: Location, Size, and Price in Singapore Real Estate
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Tips : Finding the Right Property: Location, Size, and Price in Singapore Real Estate

Singapore, known for its diverse culture, strong economy, and excellent infrastructure, is a popular destination for real estate investments. The...
Read More
Top 5 : What I Wish I Had Known about Property
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 : What I Wish I Had Known about Property

The world of real estate is a complex and dynamic field, filled with opportunities and challenges. It's a realm where...
Read More
Top 5 Best Instagrammable Spots in Singapore
Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Best Instagrammable Spots in Singapore

Singapore, a vibrant and modern city-state, is known for its stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and colorful streets. With its...
Read More
Are Early Bird Discounts At New Launches Genuine Or A Marketing Gimmick?
All Buying Tips Opinion

Are Early Bird Discounts At New Launches Genuine Or A Marketing Gimmick?

TLDR When considering investing in new property projects, understanding developers' pricing strategies is crucial. Early bird discounts are not just...
Read More
The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment
Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment

Hey everyone! Today I want to share with you the 5 hottest neighborhoods in Singapore for real estate investment.  These...
Read More
Resale Viewing Do’s and Don’ts: Expert Advice from a Singapore Real Estate Agent
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Resale Viewing Do’s and Don’ts: Expert Advice from a Singapore Real Estate Agent

TLDR The blog post provides valuable insights for first-time buyers on navigating the resale property market in Singapore. It covers...
Read More
Is it Possible for the Government to Truly “Reclaim Your Home” in Singapore?
All Opinion

Is it Possible for the Government to Truly “Reclaim Your Home” in Singapore?

The Singaporean government possesses considerable authority to reclaim land, whether freehold or not, in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act....
Read More
Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023
All Blog Posts

Singapore Private Residential Market Outlook 2023

TLDR The Singapore residential property market has shown resilience in 2022, with price growth in both private housing and HDB...
Read More
5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing
Mandarin Top 5

5 Biggest Mistakes I Made When Starting Out In Singapore Property Investing

Investing in Singapore property can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, like any...
Read More
Ultimate Handbook on HDB Income Ceilings for BTO, Resale Flats, and Executive Condominiums
All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Ultimate Handbook on HDB Income Ceilings for BTO, Resale Flats, and Executive Condominiums

TLDR Owning an HDB home in Singapore depends largely on income ceilings. The HDB income ceiling limits monthly household earnings...
Read More
Unpacking Property Ownership: Joint Tenancy vs. Tenancy-in-Common 
All Buying Tips Selling Tips

Unpacking Property Ownership: Joint Tenancy vs. Tenancy-in-Common 

TLDR When a property has multiple owners, the choice of ownership type is crucial to determine how shares are distributed...
Read More
I Purchased My First Property in My Mid-20s: Avoid These Common Mistakes!
All Buying Tips Opinion

I Purchased My First Property in My Mid-20s: Avoid These Common Mistakes!

TLDR When it comes to property ownership, Charles learned valuable lessons through his journey as a youthful homeowner. From opting...
Read More
How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023
All Buying Tips

How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a Condo 2023

TLDR When considering investing in a private property in Singapore, it's important to understand your borrowing capacity. Financial experts recommend...
Read More
1 18 19 20 21 22 28

Compare Listings