Selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will make in their lifetime. It is both exciting and overwhelming, with every decision playing a role in how quickly the property sells and how much profit is made.
Small missteps during the process can have a big impact. These are seven of the most common mistakes homeowners make when selling—and how to avoid them.
1. Overpricing the Property
Starting too high with the listing price is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make.
Zillow research shows that overpriced homes remain on the market 46% longer than homes that are competitively priced.
Homes that require price reductions often end up selling for 2–5% less than their fair market value.
The solution: Use a pricing strategy based on a detailed market analysis of the neighborhood, recent comparable sales, and buyer demand. A correctly priced home generates more interest, attracts more showings, and can lead to multiple offers that drive the final price higher.
2. Ignoring Small Repairs and Updates
Minor issues—peeling paint, broken fixtures, dripping faucets—send a message to buyers that a home has not been well maintained.
According to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey:
67% of buyers prefer a move-in ready home, even if it costs slightly more.
Simple repairs and small updates can add 1–3% to a home’s sale price and reduce time on the market.
The solution: Take care of small repairs before listing. Fresh paint, updated hardware, new lighting, and curb appeal improvements are inexpensive ways to create a positive first impression.
3. Skipping Staging and Professional Photography
In today’s market, the first showing happens online. Without strong photos and presentation, buyers may never schedule an in-person tour.
Staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more on average than non-staged homes.
85% of buyers say photos are the most important factor when deciding which homes to visit.
The solution: Declutter and depersonalize the home. Stage key rooms such as the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom. Always invest in professional photography—high-quality photos make the listing stand out and generate more buyer interest.
4. Letting Emotions Drive Decisions
A home carries memories, but emotional decisions can be costly. Sellers sometimes reject reasonable offers because they feel too low or take negotiations personally, which delays the process.
The solution: Approach the sale as a business transaction. Make decisions based on market conditions and long-term goals rather than emotion.
5. Limiting Showings
Restricted showing times mean fewer buyers will see the home.
Homes with flexible showing schedules receive 52% more buyer traffic.
More traffic increases the chance of multiple offers and a faster sale.
The solution: Be as flexible as possible with showing times, even if it is inconvenient. A larger buyer pool creates more competition and stronger offers.
6. Relying on MLS Alone
Simply placing a property on the MLS and waiting for a buyer is not enough in today’s digital-first marketplace.
90% of buyers begin their home search online.
Homes with professional photos receive 61% more views and sell up to 32% faster than homes with basic listings.
The solution: A comprehensive marketing plan is essential. This includes professional photography, video tours, targeted social media campaigns, email marketing, and open houses—all designed to attract both local and out-of-state buyers.
7. Trying to Sell Without a Realtor
Selling a home without professional help (“For Sale By Owner” or FSBO) might seem like a way to save on commission, but the numbers tell a different story:
In 2023, FSBO homes sold for a median price of $310,000, while agent-assisted homes sold for $405,000 (NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers).
That’s a $95,000 difference—far more than typical commission costs.
The selling process involves pricing, marketing, negotiations, legal paperwork, and deadlines. Professional guidance helps avoid costly mistakes and often results in a higher net profit.
Bottom Line
Selling a home is about more than just putting up a sign—it is a strategic process that requires preparation and the right plan. Avoiding these seven mistakes can result in a quicker sale, less stress, and a higher final price.
For homeowners considering selling this year, now is the time to create a tailored plan based on market conditions and specific goals. Proper preparation and a professional approach can make the difference between a good sale and a great one.
