18 Common Mistakes People Make When Selling A House

Photo of author

By Darryl Henderson

They say that buying a home is one of the most stressful and expensive endeavors you’ll ever take on. The same can be said for trying to sell your home, too. You’ll want to avoid these 18 mistakes that people often make when selling their house.

Neglecting to Stage the Home Properly

Photo Credit: Travelpixs/Shutterstock

First impressions count when selling a home, so failing to stage the house properly for a new buyer can often lead to a failed sale before they’ve even walked through the door! It’s important to enhance the interior décor and curb appeal for a new homeowner.

Overpricing the Property

Photo Credit: frantic00/Shutterstock

You’ll naturally want as much as you can get for your home, but overpricing the property is a common mistake. Understanding market value is key to where your home fits in. You want the best price for your home, but according to Forbes, your home might not be worth as much as you think.

Ignoring any Necessary Repairs

Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Ignoring any repairs or maintenance work is a common mistake, as sellers might believe that’s the responsibility of the next homeowner. However, taking care of repairs before listing is key. Knowing they have maintenance issues to address will put many buyers off.

Failing to Highlight Any Unique Selling Points

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The property market is competitive, which means not taking advantage of any unique selling points is a mistake. You should work to identify any unique appeal of your property. You can then work to best showcase what your property has that others on the market don’t.

Poor Photography and Listing Presentation

Photo Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

High-quality photos are what’s going to capture the attention of new buyers, so poor photography is a huge mistake from the get-go. For example, the National Association of Realtors reveals how important it is to brighten your listing photos. Your home needs to be staged perfectly for a successful listing.

Neglecting Marketing and Promotion

Photo Credit: Iammotos/Shutterstock

Marketing your home in the best possible way is key during the selling process, so failing to promote it to new buyers is a big error. With social media’s success these days, marketing strategies tailored for online platforms will be essential.

Being Too Emotionally Attached to the Property

Photo Credit: Daniel Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Being emotionally invested in your home is natural, but it can disrupt the selling process. Emotional detachment is necessary for a successful sale. The property should be viewed as a business transaction to let go of emotions that might keep you attached to it.

Underestimating Closing Costs

Photo Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is underestimating end costs and failing to budget for anything unexpected. Financial preparation is key with property sales, so understanding the typical closing cost is something to know ahead of time.

Being Unprepared for Showings

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

A common mistake is neglecting the importance of showings by failing to prepare. An in-person visit can do many things that a photo can’t. U.S. News says how “pleasant scents can put people at ease” during a viewing. Creating a welcoming atmosphere through the senses can make all the difference.

Lack of Flexibility During Negotiations

Photo Credit: lightwavemedia/Shutterstock

Another common mistake is when people go for the hard sell and refuse to find a middle ground with a potential buyer. If you aren’t willing to be flexible, you might be losing out on a sale altogether. Being open to negotiation is key. Understanding the needs of potential buyers will help immeasurably.

Not Disclosing Issues or Flaws

Photo Credit: VGstockstudio/Shutterstock

It can be a scary thought to have to address something wrong with the property, which is why failing to disclose an issue is a common mistake. Failing to disclose flaws can disrupt the selling process. It can also create distrust between you and the new buyer if they discover it later.

Not Preparing for Inspections

Photo Credit: Sean Locke Photography/Shutterstock

Preparing for inspections is just as important as preparing for showings. People often don’t properly understand the inspection process and what to do beforehand. It’s key to prepare your home and then address any issues brought up accordingly.

Failing to Consider Timing

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Additionally, failing to realize that timing matters in the market is another common selling error. To maximize selling potential, you should list your home during peak seasons within the real estate market. CNBC explains why June is the perfect time to put your home on the market.

Ignoring Feedback from Potential Buyers

Photo Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

You shouldn’t ignore any feedback or advice from potential buyers. It can be difficult to hear criticism of your beloved home, but feedback will help you strategize. If buyers have common concerns, adjust your home accordingly. If buyers explain the rooms feel a little small, rearrange furniture to maximize space.

Setting Unrealistic Expectations

Photo Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

Setting unrealistic expectations, such as sale price and date of sale, will disrupt the selling process. It guarantees a problematic mindset that can often lead to impatience or bad judgment. Setting realistic expectations means thorough market research and understanding the timeline.

Choosing The Wrong Listing Agent

Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Your listing agent can really affect the success of the process, which is why choosing the wrong agent can be one of the biggest mistakes. Taking the time to research reputable agents is key. Choosing someone with experience in your local area and property type will make all the difference.

Not Having a Plan B

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Setting all your hopes on your home selling as you think it should is a common mistake. Many home sellers fail to have a backup plan, yet contingency plans are super important. You might face many challenges, including if your home doesn’t sell. Plan for everything that could go wrong.

Rushing the Selling Process

Photo Credit: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

And finally, rushing the selling process is a huge blunder. It’s understandable why homeowners want to complete the sale and move as quickly as possible. But patience is vital, and understanding the time required for a successful sale is the best preparation you can make.

Up Next: 18 Things Most People Are Too Cheap To Buy That Can Drastically Improve Their Quality Of Life

Photo Credit: Ollyy/Shutterstock

What people choose to spend their money on can have significant impacts on their health and happiness. Here we’ll go through 18 things that most people are too cheap to buy, even though they could make long-term positive changes to their lives.

18 THINGS MOST PEOPLE ARE TOO CHEAP TO BUY THAT CAN DRASTICALLY IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

18 Odd Hobbies from the ‘60s That Only Boomers Will Remember

Photo Credit: shurkin_son/Shutterstock

The 1960s was a decade of experimentation, and this extended to the hobbies that people enjoyed. While some hobbies from the ‘60s have remained popular to this day, others are a distant memory. Here are 18 odd hobbies from the ‘60s that only boomers will remember.

18 ODD HOBBIES FROM THE ‘60S THAT ONLY BOOMERS WILL REMEMBER

17 Habits You Probably Developed if You Weren’t Loved as a Child

Photo Credit: Forewer/Shutterstock

Being neglected as a child can have a long-lasting impact. In fact, unloved children may develop a range of habits that reflect deeper emotional patterns as a response to the neglect. Here are 17 habits you probably have developed if you weren’t loved as a child.

17 HABITS YOU PROBABLY DEVELOPED IF YOU WEREN’T LOVED AS A CHILD