The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

If you're planning to sell your house, setting the right strategy and expectations is crucial. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to today’s market, where buyers are more selective and inventory has increased.  

Here are three common mistakes sellers are making—and how working with an expert agent can help you avoid them.

1. Pricing the Home Too High

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in a successful sale. According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree that the biggest challenge for sellers today is setting the right price (see graph below).

Many homeowners tend to overprice their listings, thinking it gives them more room to negotiate. But if you’re not familiar with current market trends, setting a high price could backfire. Today’s buyers are cautious due to higher mortgage rates and tighter budgets, and an overpriced home may push them away. That’s why more sellers are finding themselves making price cuts.

To avoid this, rely on your agent’s expertise from the start. A knowledgeable agent can provide insights on recent sales in your area and help you determine a competitive price that attracts serious buyers.

2. Skipping Repairs

Another common mistake is neglecting minor repairs before listing your home. While a leaky faucet or squeaky door might seem insignificant to you, buyers may see these small issues as indicators of larger, hidden problems. This could lead to lower offers or requests for concessions. Addressing minor maintenance tasks upfront can help make a positive impression and reassure buyers about the condition of your home.

“Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. . . Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been addressed either.”

The fix? Collaborate with your agent to identify key repairs and improvements before listing photos are taken. Small upgrades can make a big impact, helping your home attract buyers and sell at its best price.

3. Refusing To Negotiate

Being flexible and open to negotiations can make all the difference in closing the sale. Your agent can help you navigate offers and counteroffers strategically, ensuring you stay competitive while protecting your financial goals.

“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”

The Biggest Mistake of All? Not Using a Real Estate Agent

Selling a home is a complex process, and without expert guidance, it’s easy to make costly missteps. A knowledgeable agent helps you price your home right, prepare it for buyers, and negotiate effectively—so you don’t leave money on the table.

Bottom Line

Avoid these common mistakes by starting with the right plan — and the right agent. Let’s connect so you don’t fall into any of these traps.