Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Homes

Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Homes

Selling a home is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do to get it sold quickly and for the best price. In my 23+ years of real estate experience, I’ve seen homeowners make the same mistakes over and over again when putting their homes on the market. Avoiding these pitfalls can make all the difference in getting your home sold without unnecessary stress or delays. Here are the top five mistakes I see homeowners make when selling their homes:

1. Pricing the Home Incorrectly

One of the biggest mistakes I see is pricing the home incorrectly, especially in a shifting market. Too many homeowners base their price on what the market looked like a year ago or what they think their home is worth, rather than looking at the current data. It’s understandable—most people don’t pay much attention to the real estate market until it’s time to sell. But if you price your home too high for today’s market, it will just sit, and you may have to lower the price later, which can make buyers suspicious. It’s essential to work with an agent who understands the market and can guide you on pricing your home right from the start.

2. Failing to Make Necessary Repairs

You might not think that small repairs matter, but they absolutely do. I see sellers skipping simple repairs like fixing broken door handles, re-caulking the bathroom, or painting over scuff marks, thinking that buyers won’t notice. But trust me, they notice. A buyer walking into a home with small things broken might wonder what else hasn’t been maintained. It’s a red flag that can lead them to walk away or offer a lower price. Do the repairs before you list your home—no matter how small. Your home needs to look its absolute best to attract serious buyers.

3. Not Staging the Home

Staging is one of the most overlooked yet critical steps in selling a home. Some people think staging is only for high-end properties, but that’s not true. Whether it’s decluttering, rearranging furniture, or even hiring a professional stager, it’s important to create a space that buyers can envision themselves living in. Sometimes a fresh, modern look can make a world of difference, especially if your home hasn’t been updated in decades. On the flip side, over-staging or not doing it properly can also backfire. It’s important to assess what your home truly needs and make those adjustments based on the condition and style of your home.

4. Not Cleaning the Home Thoroughly

I cannot stress this enough—cleaning your home is just as important as any repairs or updates. A clean home instills confidence in buyers that it’s been well cared for over the years. It goes beyond a quick dust and vacuum; deep clean every nook and cranny, and don’t forget about things like windows, baseboards, and light fixtures. When a buyer walks into a clean home, they feel more confident and are more likely to see the home as move-in ready. If cleaning isn’t your thing, consider hiring a professional cleaner before listing. Trust me, it’s worth the investment.

5. Hiring the Wrong Real Estate Agent

This is a huge one. I’ve seen too many sellers spend more time picking out a vacation destination than choosing the right real estate agent. Not all agents are created equal, and not all of them are going to be a good fit for selling your home. You need someone who not only knows the market but also understands how to leverage modern tools like social media and digital marketing to get your home seen by the right buyers. Real estate has changed so much in the past few years, and it’s more critical than ever to have an agent who stays up-to-date with the latest trends and legal changes.

Call to Action

If you’re thinking about selling your home and want to avoid these common mistakes, reach out to me today. With over 23 years of experience in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, I can help you navigate the market and get your home sold quickly for the best possible price. Let’s start a conversation!

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