Thinking about selling your home? There are a few common missteps that can make the whole process more stressful or even end up costing you extra money.

Luckily, these mistakes are pretty easy to dodge once you know what to look out for. Let’s go over the most common seller slip-ups and how an agent can guide you around them.

1. Overpricing Your House

Wanting to get the best price for your home makes total sense, especially if you’ve invested a lot of time and effort into it. But with the market changing, setting your price too high might actually hurt your chances. As Investopedia points out:

““Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer.”
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— Investopedia

If your house stays on the market too long, you might end up having to lower the price, which can make buyers suspicious. That’s why it’s important to set the right price from the beginning.

A skilled real estate agent will check out the prices of homes recently sold in your neighborhood, take a close look at the condition of your property, and consider the current trends in the market. This helps them set a price that’s attractive to buyers and could even encourage multiple offers.

2. Spending Money on the Wrong Upgrades

Right now, there are almost half a million more sellers than buyers, according to Redfin. That means if you’re selling your home, you’re facing more competition and might need to put in extra effort to get it ready. But keep in mind, not every improvement will pay off. Spending money on the wrong projects could end up eating into your profits.

A local real estate expert understands exactly what buyers in your neighborhood want. They can guide you on which home improvement projects will add value and which ones aren’t worth the effort. Plus, they know how to showcase your upgrades in your listing to make your home stand out online and attract more potential buyers.

3. Refusing To Negotiate

With more homes on the market, it’s a good idea to stay flexible. Buyers now have plenty of choices, which means they have more room to negotiate. U.S. News breaks it down like this:

““If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”
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— U.S. News

That’s where your agent steps in. They’ll guide you through what buyers are looking for, explain what’s typical in today’s market, and help you find a solution that works for everyone. Sometimes, a small compromise is all it takes to keep the deal on track and get you moving toward your next chapter sooner.

4. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent

You can easily avoid these mistakes by working with a knowledgeable agent. It’s important to find the right partner for the job. Yet, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that 81% of sellers end up choosing the very first agent they speak with.

A lot of homeowners tend to overlook simple but important steps like reading reviews, looking into sales history, or talking to several agents before choosing one. But that’s a big mistake. You want an agent you can trust—someone with a solid track record. The right agent will help you price your home correctly, market it effectively, and sell it faster—maybe even for a higher price.

Bottom Line

Selling your house doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With an experienced agent guiding you, we can help you steer clear of common pitfalls and get the best possible outcome. Let’s connect so you have the support you need throughout the process.

If you could get expert advice on just one thing before selling your home, what would it be?