Thinking of selling your home? A successful sale isn’t just about putting up a “For Sale” sign—it’s about making smart, strategic decisions from day one.
As a listing agent, I’ve seen firsthand how the right preparation can attract strong offers fast—and how the wrong move can leave a great home sitting on the market. Below are the most common seller mistakes I see (and how you can avoid them).
Mistake #1: Pricing Based on Emotion, Not the Market
Many sellers want to price based on what they “need to get” or what a neighbor’s house sold for five years ago—but buyers don’t care about those numbers. They care about value today.
Do this instead: Work with an agent who will walk you through local comps, current demand, and buyer behavior. A data-driven pricing strategy helps your home attract attention from day one—and often leads to a stronger result.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Prep Work
Buyers form impressions within seconds. Homes that aren’t clean, staged, or photo-ready can feel smaller, darker, or less appealing—even if they have great bones.
Do this instead: Declutter, touch up paint, and consider full or partial staging. I help my sellers prioritize where to spend and where to skip. You don’t have to renovate—but you do want your home to shine in photos and in person. Work with someone who has a sense of design, who can help guide you. They will also make sure to get the right photographs taken of your home. Photos matter!
Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Disclose Issues
Sellers sometimes delay disclosing known issues, hoping they won’t come up. But once a buyer finds a problem during inspections, it can lead to lost trust, renegotiation, or a canceled deal.
Do this instead: Be transparent early. Pre-inspections, upfront disclosures, and clear communication build buyer confidence—and reduce the chances of surprises derailing your escrow.
Mistake #4: Making It Difficult to Show
If buyers can’t easily see your home, they won’t write offers. Limited showings, last-minute cancellations, or tenants who aren’t cooperative can create too much friction.
Do this instead: Make showings as accessible and seamless as possible. If your situation is complicated, I’ll help you find creative solutions that still keep buyer interest high.
Mistake #5: Hiring the Wrong Agent
Not all agents are created equal. A friend-of-a-friend who dabbles in real estate might not bring the marketing, negotiation, or local expertise you need—especially in a shifting market. Likewise sometimes common sense, good negotiation skills, great marketing and an eye for design supersedes being the local expert. Anyone can pull data, not everyone can guide you how to properly get your home prepared for a sale.
Do this instead: Choose someone who understands your goals, has a strong track record, and brings clear strategy and communication from the start.
