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 home, having the right strategy and expectations is essential. However, some sellers haven’t fully adjusted to today’s market conditions. With more homes for sale and buyers being extra selective due to budget constraints, missteps can be costly.

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

1. Overpricing the Home

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is listing their home too high. It’s tempting to price above market value to leave room for negotiation, but this approach can backfire.

Today’s buyers are cautious, navigating higher mortgage rates and tighter budgets. If a home is priced too high, buyers may overlook it entirely—leading to longer days on the market and, ultimately, price reductions.

The solution? Trust your agent’s expertise from day one. A great agent will analyze recent sales in your neighborhood and help you price your home competitively, ensuring it attracts serious buyers from the start.

A survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) reveals that real estate agents agree—pricing a home correctly is the biggest challenge sellers face in today’s market. (See graph below.)

2. Neglecting Repairs

Skipping repairs and minor maintenance is another mistake that can turn buyers away. While small issues like a leaky faucet or scuffed walls may seem insignificant to you, they can raise red flags for potential buyers.

Buyers often assume minor flaws signal deeper, more expensive problems, leading them to submit lower offers or request concessions. As Investopedia points out:

“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.”

To maximize your home’s appeal, work with your agent to identify necessary repairs before listing. A little effort upfront—such as fixing minor issues and freshening up your space—can pay off big when offers start rolling in.

3. Refusing to Negotiate

With affordability challenges and more inventory on the market, buyers today have more negotiating power. If an offer comes in lower than expected, don’t take it personally. Instead, stay focused on your ultimate goal: selling your home.

Buyers may ask for repairs, closing cost assistance, or other concessions. While you don’t have to agree to every request, being open to negotiations can make a big difference. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:

“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.”

Your agent can help you navigate these conversations, ensuring you make smart compromises that keep the deal moving without sacrificing too much on your bottom line.

The Biggest Mistake of All? Selling Without an Agent

Notice a pattern? In every case, working with a skilled real estate agent helps you avoid these costly mistakes. That makes trying to sell your home without professional guidance the biggest misstep of all.

Bottom Line

Selling a home in today’s market requires the right strategy, pricing, and negotiation skills. By working with an experienced agent, you’ll sidestep these common pitfalls and position yourself for a smoother, more successful sale. Ready to get started? Connect with me today!