Selling is full of small decisions, and a few of them can quietly cost you real money or put your sale at risk. Here are fifteen things I'd question before agreeing to them. Your attorney should review the specifics of any contract.
- Pricing based on hope. Price from what's actually selling now.
- Skipping preparation. Repairs and presentation before listing are usually cheaper than concessions later.
- A weak marketing plan. Ask exactly how your home will reach buyers, including out-of-state buyers.
- Long listing terms with no exit. Understand how and when you can end the agreement.
- Blanket "as-is" language you don't understand. Know what you're still responsible for disclosing.
- Incomplete disclosures. Under-disclosing creates risk after closing.
- Long inspection periods. Keep timelines reasonable.
- Open-ended repair requests. Agree to specific items or a defined credit, not "anything the inspector finds."
- Weak proof of funds or pre-approval. Verify the buyer can close.
- Small deposits. A meaningful deposit shows commitment.
- Contingent offers with no timeline. If you accept a contingency, define dates and a way out.
- Unclear appraisal terms. Know what happens if it appraises low.
- Early occupancy before closing. Usually more risk than reward.
- Leaving personal property terms vague. List exactly what stays.
- Flexible closing dates with no limits. Put them in writing.
For condo sellers
Order the condo questionnaire and estoppel early, and pull the association's documents so buyers' lenders and attorneys aren't waiting on you. Delays here are one of the most common reasons condo closings slip.
If you're selling a condo in West Palm Beach, my Condo Sale Report shows your building's recent sales and current competition. I also wrote a full guide on selling a luxury condo in West Palm Beach.
— Joel Poulin, Broker Associate | The Corcoran Group · (561) 556-3668