Selling ~ 9 Mistakes to Avoid

9 Mistakes to Avoid If You Want to Sell Your Home Quickly, Real Estate Agents Warn

Don't sabotage your chance at a speedy, top-dollar home sale.

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In the past few years, homes were selling like hotcakes, but the tables are turning more towards a buyer's market, which results in houses taking longer to sell. That means sellers need to find ways to make their homes more appealing to potential buyers. If you’re ready to move on to your next adventure and want to sell your house fast, there are some major mistakes you will need to avoid.

We spoke with real estate experts to get the insider scoop on the top common mistakes sellers make when trying to sell their home, so you know exactly what to avoid in order to sell your home quickly.

Overpricing Your Home

A high price tag isn’t the way to go if you want to sell your home fast. , says that overpricing a home is the worst mistake a seller can make. “I know you love your home, and you want to get every last dollar you can out of it, but an overpriced home will almost always sit on the market,” he says.

He explains that these days, buyers have access to a wealth of information regarding comparable sales and market trends. It gives them an advantage in finding a home they love at a price they can afford. “If your home is priced 10% higher than the comps, buyers will see it as a bad value and simply won't bother," he says. "An overpriced home often leads to a series of price reductions, and buyers will see those as a red flag, making them think something is wrong with the house."

Choosing the Wrong Agent or Attempting an Unprepared FSBO

It’s crucial to choose the best agent possible to sell your home, says that one of the biggest mistakes you can make that will hinder your home's marketability is choosing the wrong agent or not preparing properly when trying to sell it yourself.

“Seasoned agents understand pricing psychology, know which improvements deliver the highest return, and have proven systems to attract qualified buyers fast," she says. "Inexperienced agents often take generic approaches, while for-sale-by-owner sellers frequently stumble on pricing strategy, legal requirements, and marketing reach."

“Both scenarios typically result in longer market time and a significantly lower sale price than working with an experienced professional who can position your home to sell fast and for top dollar,” she adds.

Using Low Quality Photos

advises against taking your own pictures and recommends hiring a professional photographer. “With the buyer pool shrinking and competition ripe, you must advertise your home strategically," she says. "You must use professional photography. Create a narrative and grab attention through videography, social media, and rich graphics that capture your audience quickly."

Plus, in order to sell your home, people need to see it. "Whether you know it or not, your first showing happened online," Derr says. "High-quality photos and advertising will compel people to see your home in person next.”

Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of ensuring that your photos align with the home you are selling. You don’t want owners to feel as if they are being “catfished” by making the home look better in photos by photoshopping them to “turn up the charm.”

Failing to Declutter

If you’re a clutterbug, it’s time to put a new decluttering method to work because all that clutter can keep you from selling your home quickly. real estate expert, says that one simple mistake many homeowners make is having too much clutter riddling their homes.

“I have also noticed that some sellers fail to declutter and depersonalize their homes," he says. "I have walked into homes with walls full of family photos, cluttered countertops, and a dozen knick-knacks on every surface. It is not that your life is not interesting, but a buyer needs to be able to envision their life in the space."

"[Buyers] need to see a blank canvas, not your personal gallery," he continues. "Before we even think about listing, I advise my clients to pack away all personal items, clear out closets, and store extra furniture. It might feel a little sterile to you, but to a buyer, it feels spacious and full of potential.”

Skipping Staging the Home

Derr says another top mistake you should avoid is not paying to have your home staged if it is vacant. “Professional, stylish, yet neutral staging will appeal to a wide audience and increase the buyer pool you are targeting. If your home has an awkward floor plan, staging will help ‘fill in the blanks’ literally and figuratively. Be literal and show people how this home will suit their lifestyle,’ she advises.

More in Lifestyle

Now, if you are still living in the home while trying to sell it, she states you need to ensure your home is “show-ready” at all times. “You now live in a mall, as every person that enters your home is shopping," she says. "Keep it meticulously clean. Remove personal effects, such as nods to religion, politics, and your lifestyle, that could be polarizing to buyers. Remove items that can be seen as clutter, which signals a lack of space."

She also recommends packing what you can live without, and that you should consider hiring a professional organizer to maximize space and flow.

Not Making Repairs

Alexei Morgado, realtor, CEO, and founder of Lexawise Real Estate Exam Preparation, says that ignoring repairs that need to be done will lengthen the time your home is on the market. Derr agrees and states that repairs should be done before you list your home.

“Fix the paint, replace damaged floors, replace the old roof. spruce up the landscaping and do not neglect curb appeal," she says. "Your home, if not marketed as a fixer-upper, needs to be as close to perfect as your budget can afford. Homes are being dismissed over old roofs, old systems, and dated, out-of-fashion styling."

Neglecting Curb Appeal

Speaking of curb appeal, Loguidice reaffirms the importance of first impressions. “When a buyer pulls up to a home and sees a littered lawn, untrimmed bushes, or peeling paint on the front door, they'll assume the interior is just as neglected. This can be a deal-breaker before they even leave the car. The good news is that this is one of the easiest and cheapest repairs. A few hundred dollars invested in a bit of fresh mulch, new flowers, and a clean front door can do miracles,” he says.

Not Disclosing All the Problems

Both Morgado and Loguidice say that it’s key to be honest when selling your home, which means disclosing any issues it has. “Some sellers try to hide known problems like a leaky roof or a faulty HVAC system," he says. "This is a huge mistake. The buyer's inspector will very likely find the problem, and when they do, it completely annihilates trust."

“What could have been a simple negotiation about a repair credit now becomes a full-blown crisis where the buyer questions what else the seller is hiding," he continues. "It is always better to be transparent from the beginning.” Failing to provide full disclosure of any issues will only cause you problems and possibly jeopardize the sale of your home.

Limiting Showing Access

As the seller, it may seem inconvenient to make your home available for viewing whenever a buyer expresses interest, but Aragone says that homes with restricted viewing hours or excessive notice requirements can frustrate serious buyers. “The more accessible a property is for showings, the faster it moves," she says. "This means staying flexible with timing and keeping the home consistently show-ready."