Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make, and with so much on the line, avoiding common mistakes can make a world of difference. Whether you’re a first-time seller or it’s been a while since your last move, here are the top missteps to avoid when putting your house on the market:

1. Overpricing Your Home

It’s natural to want top dollar for your home, but setting the price too high can scare off serious buyers. An overpriced home tends to sit on the market longer and may even require price reductions later, which can hurt your negotiating power. Trust your real estate agent’s market analysis and price your home competitively from the start.

2. Neglecting Necessary Repairs

Small issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or loose doorknobs can leave a negative impression on buyers. Larger problems like roof leaks or HVAC issues can derail a deal entirely. Before listing, take time to make repairs and consider a pre-inspection to uncover any surprises.

3. Failing to Stage Your Home

Buyers need to visualize themselves living in the space—and cluttered, overly personalized, or empty homes make that difficult. A well-staged home feels warm, inviting, and move-in ready. Even small touches like fresh linens, minimal decor, and clean countertops can make a big difference.

4. Skimping on Marketing

Great marketing is key to attracting the right buyer. High-quality listing photos, a strong online presence, and strategic social media promotion are essential. Make sure your agent uses professional photography, video tours, and possibly even virtual staging to showcase your home in the best light.

5. Not Being Flexible with Showings

If buyers can’t see your home, they can’t fall in love with it. Limiting showing times or requiring too much notice can turn potential buyers away. Try to be as accommodating as possible, even if it means stepping out for a few hours during evenings or weekends.

6. Letting Emotions Take Over

Selling a home you’ve lived in for years can be emotional, but it’s important to treat the sale as a business transaction. Don’t take low offers personally, and be open to negotiations. Your agent will guide you through the process and help you make smart, objective decisions.

6. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent

All of these mistakes are avoidable with the help of a skilled agent. So, you want to be sure you're working with the right partner. Still, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of sellers pick the first agent they talk to. Your real estate agent can make or break your selling experience. Choose someone with local market knowledge, strong marketing strategies, and a clear communication style. While it may be tempting to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route, working with a professional often results in a quicker sale and higher offers.

Many homeowners may skip basic steps like reading reviews, checking sales history, and interviewing a few agents. But that’s a mistake. You want someone you know you can rely on – someone with a good track record. The right agent can help you price your house right, market it well, and sell it quickly (and maybe for more money).

Bottom Line

Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have an experienced agent by your side. Let’s connect so you have an expert to help you avoid these common mistakes and make the most of your sale.

What’s one thing you’d want expert advice on before putting your house on the market?

Book your appointment and let’s talk to take the next step in your real estate journey. Schedule a real estate consultation with one of our team members.