SELLING YOUR HOME is a big financial move—one where a few common missteps can mean the difference between closing fast and sitting on the market. Here are the top mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them:
1. Overpricing the Home Setting the price too high for condition or lack of recent upgrades drives buyers away and leads to price reductions that make your home look stale.
2. Ignoring First Impressions Buyers make decisions within seconds. Maximize curb appeal and keep interiors neat and neutral. Make sure professional photos capture a product ready for market, and not just professional photos of your stuff.
3. Getting Emotionally Attached You’ve made memories—but buyers see a product. Stay objective to make sound decisions.
4. Hiding Problems If there’s a leak or past damage, disclose it. Hidden issues often come out during inspections and can sabotage the deal.
5. Skipping or Deferring Maintenance Leaky faucets, worn-out HVAC systems, and peeling paint are red flags. Take care of them upfront. Some maintenance items literally eliminate 80% of buyers who are pre-approved with an FHA Loan because appraisers will require repairs to be made in a workman-like manner by professionals in that field.
6. No Recent Survey of Improvements If you’ve added structures, fences, or driveways, a recent survey can verify everything is within bounds and avoid title issues. If the property has been in the family a long time, sometimes a long-forgotten handshake deal transferred the property and when it comes time for the buyer to purchase
7. Skimping on Marketing Today’s buyers start online. Invest in high-quality photography, staging, and digital ads to boost visibility.
8. Not Being Flexible with Showings Make it easy to view your home. Inconvenient showing schedules can push buyers to the competition.
9. Choosing the Wrong Agent or Going FSBO A good agent brings pricing insight, negotiation skills, and marketing power that FSBO sellers often lack.
10. Poor Timing Timing affects price and days on market. Consider local trends, school schedules, and personal needs.
11. Refusing to Negotiate Real estate is a give-and-take. Stay open to reasonable offers and repair requests.
12. Misunderstanding Closing Costs Factor in agent commissions, title fees, taxes, deed stamps, and repairs when calculating your net proceeds.
Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll be well-positioned to sell quickly, profitably, and with fewer headaches. Is there an additional mistake you've experienced or seen you'd like to add? Leave it in the Chat.
Chrystal Safari Roy | Broker-in-Charge The Safari Group LLCSheEO | Leading Sellers to SOLD - with Precision, Power & Proof