7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Selling a home is much more than putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard and watching offers roll in. Today’s buyers, from San Diego, CA to Charlotte, NC, are informed and selective, so even small missteps can cause them to walk away. In this article, Seattle-based Redfin Agent David Palmer shares the seven most common home-selling mistakes – and how to avoid them.
1. Overpricing your home
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your home is pricing it too high. “Sellers tend not to realize that buyers in your neighborhood know the market,” says Redfin agent David Palmer. “They’ve seen all the homes, they’ve toured them, they’ve been to the open houses, they’ve made offers on them, they’ve lost out on them. So buyers have a really good idea of what the value is.”
Pro tip: Price your home competitively based on recent sales in your area. An overpriced home may sit on the market longer, which can make future buyers wary – even if you eventually drop the price. Palmer continues, “Overpricing kind of turns buyers off because they’ll say, ‘Okay, I’ll just wait until that comes down to the price it should be.”
2. Skipping a pre-listing inspection
Even if your home looks move-in ready, skipping a pre-listing inspection can cause more problems later on. Hidden issues like roof damage, plumbing leaks, or outdated electrical systems may cause buyers to back out of the deal or negotiate repairs after their inspection.
What to do instead: Hire a professional to do a pre-inspection. You can fix any issues ahead of time or price your home accordingly. This can reduce additional issues with the buyer’s home inspection later on.
3. Unpleasant odors
Scent is powerful and it can turn buyers off in seconds. Whether it’s an overpowering unpleasant smell or fragrance permeating the home, buyers can recognize these odors the moment they step inside. For example, Palmer states he’s, “had clients walk in, smell the house immediately and say, ‘We’re out of here.’”
It can be a common mistake with sellers, as Palmer explains, “If you smoke or have pets, you may not notice it, but someone brand new will.” You also don’t want to rely on candles or air fresheners to cover up the scent. “The Glade plugins, those aren’t going to do it.” Palmer continues, “Buyers know.”
What to do instead: Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and drapes to reduce existing odors. Replace flooring if you have lots of stains. Skip overwhelming scents in favor of fresh, neutral air.
4. Poor listing photos
Buyers often see your home’s listing photos before they ever tour your home. If your photos are dark, blurry, or unappealing, buyers might skip your home entirely. Not having good listing photos may cause you to lose out on potential buyers – and eventually offers.
What to do instead:: Use a professional photographer. Ensure every room is well-lit and clean, and highlight your home’s best features, whether it’s natural light, a spacious layout, or updated finishes.
5. Cluttered or overly personalized spaces
Buyers need to be able to see the home as somewhere they can live – not a place full of your stuff. Too much furniture, personal collections, or family photos can distract buyers from visualizing the space as their own.
“Buyers aren’t always going to be able to see past, or even trust, what’s behind your clutter,” Palmer points out. “Really showing off your space, not so much your stuff, is going to be an advantage to you as a seller.”
What to do instead: Declutter and depersonalize. Keep the décor neutral and the rooms spacious. Consider staging to make your home look put together.
6. Being too rigid with showings
Limited showing availability can reduce how many buyers are able to tour your home. If buyers find it difficult to tour your property, they’ll move on to the next one. Consider having an open house for a few hours on the weekend so plenty of buyers can tour at the same time.
What top do instead: Be as flexible as possible with showing times, especially during the first two weeks on the market when interest is likely the highest.
7. Ignoring curb appeal
Your home’s exterior sets the tone for the rest of the tour. If the landscaping is overgrown, the paint is chipped, or the entryway is dull, buyers may have a negative first impression before even walking through the door.
What to do instead: Clean up the yard, trim shrubs, and add fresh mulch or flowers. Paint the front door and porch railings if it looks worn. Make sure your home’s first impression is a strong one.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, you want to sell your home for the best price you can. Homebuyers are looking for clean, well-maintained homes that feel like a good investment. It’s important to avoid common home-selling mistakes so you can attract serious buyers.
>> Read: How to Sell Your House Fast and For More Money
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