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Selling a home is more than just putting a sign in the yard and waiting for offers to roll in. The market has shifted, and what worked a few years ago might not work now. Today’s buyers are more selective, budgets are tighter, and competition is heating up.
Unfortunately, some sellers aren’t adjusting their strategy—and it’s costing them.
If you’re thinking about selling, here are the three biggest mistakes sellers are making right now, plus how you can avoid them to get top dollar for your home.
Mistake #1: Pricing Your Home Too High
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can always lower the price later.” While that’s technically true, starting too high can be a costly mistake.
Overpricing your home can:
🚨 Scare off buyers. Today’s buyers are more cautious due to higher interest rates. If your home is priced too high, they may not even bother scheduling a showing.
🚨 Lead to fewer offers. When a home sits on the market too long, buyers start to wonder if something is wrong with it. The longer it lingers, the less desirable it becomes.
🚨 Result in price cuts. Many overpriced homes end up needing multiple price reductions. That’s a red flag for buyers and can lead to a lower final sale price than if you had priced correctly from the start.
📌 How to Avoid This Mistake:
The best way to price your home is to lean on the expertise of a local real estate professional (hello, that’s me!). I analyze recent sales, current market conditions, and buyer demand to ensure your home is priced competitively—so you don’t leave money on the table.
Mistake #2: Skipping Repairs and Pre-Listing Prep
You might love your home’s “lived-in” charm, but buyers see things differently. Even small maintenance issues can raise red flags, making buyers wonder if there are bigger, hidden problems.
Sellers who skip pre-listing prep risk:
🔧 Lower offers. Buyers will mentally subtract repair costs from their offer—or worse, skip your home altogether.
🔧 Longer days on market. A home that looks well-maintained will sell faster than one that appears neglected.
🔧 Tougher negotiations. If your home needs work, buyers may ask for hefty repair credits or demand fixes before closing.
📌 How to Avoid This Mistake:
Before listing, I provide my sellers with a customized “Honey-Do” list—a strategic checklist of small, high-impact fixes that make a big difference. Sometimes, a little fresh paint, deep cleaning, and a few minor repairs are all it takes to wow buyers.
Mistake #3: Refusing to Negotiate
You’re selling your home, not your pride. Buyers today have options, and they’re coming to the table with expectations—whether it’s negotiating price, asking for repairs, or requesting closing cost assistance.
Sellers who refuse to negotiate risk:
⚖️ Losing serious buyers. If you reject offers too quickly, you could miss out on a motivated buyer who is willing to work with you.
⚖️ Sitting on the market longer. The longer your home sits, the less leverage you have in negotiations.
⚖️ Ultimately selling for less. Homes that sit on the market too long tend to attract lower offers.
📌 How to Avoid This Mistake:
Negotiation is where having a skilled agent makes all the difference. I help my sellers navigate offers, counter strategically, and find creative solutions so they walk away with the best possible deal.
Bottom Line
Every mistake on this list can be avoided by having the right real estate agent on your side.
🏡 I make sure my sellers:
✅ Price their home correctly from day one
✅ Know which updates and repairs matter most
✅ Have a smart negotiation strategy
✅ Sell their home for top dollar with less stress
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll make. Why go at it alone?
Thinking about selling? Let’s talk strategy!
