Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home – George Woods Explains

So, you’re thinking about selling your home? That’s a big step, and if you’re like most homeowners, you probably want to get the best possible price without going through a ton of stress. Sounds fair, right? But here’s the truth, selling a home isn’t just about putting up a sign in the yard and waiting for offers to roll in. There’s a lot more to it than that, and if you’re not careful, you could make some costly mistakes that might leave you feeling frustrated or even regretful later on.

I’ve been in real estate for years, and I’ve seen just about every situation under the sun. So today, I want to share with you seven of the most common (and expensive) mistakes homeowners make when selling their homes. Trust me avoiding these could make a huge difference in how quickly your house sells and how much money you walk away with. Let’s dive in!

1. Overpricing Your Home From the Start

I get it. Your home is special. You’ve built memories in every room, and you know exactly how much time and money you’ve put into it over the years. But when it comes to pricing your home, emotion can cloud your judgment in a big way.

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is setting the price too high right out of the gate. They figure they can always come down later, right? Well, not exactly. What usually happens is your home sits on the market for too long, and buyers start wondering what’s wrong with it. When you finally drop the price, it’s often too late the damage is done.

Buyers today are savvy. They’re looking at online listings, comparing prices, and working with agents who know the market. If your home is overpriced, most buyers won’t even bother coming to see it. You might think you’re leaving room for negotiation, but what you’re really doing is scaring away serious buyers.

The best move? Work with a trusted real estate agent who knows your neighborhood and can pull up accurate, up-to-date comps (comparable home sales). Pricing your home right from the start gives you a much better chance of selling quickly and for top dollar.

2. Skipping the Small Repairs

You know that loose doorknob in the hallway, or the faucet that’s been dripping for the last six months? Maybe the paint on the front door is looking a little sad, or there’s a cracked tile in the kitchen. These things might seem minor to you, but to a potential buyer, they’re a big deal.

When buyers walk through your home, they’re looking for reasons not to buy. They might not say it out loud, but trust me, they’re keeping mental notes of every little flaw they spot. And when they start adding those things up, it can make them feel like your house hasn’t been well cared for.

The good news? Most of these issues are quick, inexpensive fixes. Patch the holes, tighten the knobs, clean the grout, touch up the paint, it all adds up to a home that feels well-maintained. And that translates to higher perceived value.

If you really want to go the extra mile, consider having a pre-listing inspection done. It can help you find and fix problems before buyers do, which gives you an edge when it’s time to negotiate.

3. Neglecting to Stage or Declutter Your Home

Look, I know it’s hard to live in a show-ready home, especially if you’ve got kids or pets or both. But staging and decluttering your space can make a massive difference in how buyers see it.

Here’s the thing, buyers aren’t just buying a house; they’re buying a lifestyle. They want to imagine themselves living in your home, relaxing on the couch, cooking in the kitchen, having friends over. That’s really hard to do when your countertops are covered with mail, your shelves are jam-packed with books and knickknacks, or your closets are bursting at the seams.

Take the time to pack up personal photos, clear off the counters, remove excess furniture, and organize storage areas. You want your home to feel open, clean, and inviting.

And don’t forget curb appeal! Mow the lawn, plant a few flowers, clean the walkway, and maybe even give your front door a fresh coat of paint. First impressions matter online and in person.

4. Going It Alone Without a Real Estate Agent

I know, I know. You’ve probably seen those “For Sale By Owner” signs and thought, “Hey, I could do that and save thousands on commission.” And yeah, in theory, you could. But in reality, selling your home without a professional can end up costing you way more in the long run.

A good real estate agent brings so much more to the table than just listing your home. They understand local market trends, know how to price your home competitively, have access to professional photographers and stagers, and most importantly, they have a network of other agents and buyers that you simply don’t.

Plus, agents are skilled negotiators. They can help you handle offers, navigate inspections, and deal with any curveballs that come your way. And trust me there are always curveballs.

Think of your agent as your partner in this process. You want someone who has your back, who knows the ins and outs of real estate, and who can help you avoid the landmines that can kill a deal.

5. Not Being Flexible With Showings

Here’s the truth selling your home is going to be a bit inconvenient. You’ll need to keep it clean, tidy, and ready to show on short notice. And yes, sometimes that means stepping out for a last-minute showing when all you want to do is chill on the couch.

But here’s the thing: the more flexible you are with showings, the faster you’ll sell your home. If buyers can’t get in to see it when it works for them, they’ll just move on to the next listing.

Try to remember that every showing is a potential sale. It’s worth the temporary inconvenience if it means selling your home faster and for more money. If you have pets or small kids, try to make a plan ahead of time for how you’ll handle showings so you’re not caught off guard.

6. Letting Emotions Get in the Way

This one’s tough, and I totally get it. Your home isn’t just a structure, it’s a place full of memories. Maybe you raised your kids here, or spent years saving up to buy it. So when someone comes in with a low offer or criticizes your choice of paint color, it can feel personal.

But here’s the thing, it’s not personal. Buyers are trying to get the best deal they can, just like you would if you were in their shoes. Try not to take it to heart.

Selling your home is a business transaction, plain and simple. The more you can approach it with a clear head and a focus on the end goal, the better off you’ll be. That doesn’t mean you have to accept a lowball offer or cave to every demand, but it does mean you’ll benefit from keeping your emotions in check and thinking strategically.

7. Skipping the Deep Clean (Including the Air Ducts!)

You’d be amazed how many sellers forget this one. And trust me, it’s a biggie. When buyers walk into your home, the very first thing they notice is how it smells. If there are weird odors, pet smells, or just a general mustiness, it can instantly turn them off even if the home looks great.

That’s why it’s super important to deeply clean your home before listing. We’re talking floors, walls, windows, appliances, every nook and cranny. Don’t just tidy up; clean like your sale depends on it (because it kinda does).

And here’s where most sellers drop the ball: air duct cleaning. It’s not something you see, but it is something you feel. Clean ducts improve the air quality in your home and help get rid of any lingering smells from pets, smoke, or cooking. If a buyer walks in and notices a fresh, clean scent instead of a stale one, that can be the deciding factor between “eh, maybe” and “yes, this is the one.”

If it’s been years since your last professional clean or you’ve never done it, it’s time. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes improvements that pays off big.

Wrapping It All Up

Selling your home can be a rollercoaster, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. When you avoid the common pitfalls like overpricing, neglecting repairs, ignoring staging, and trying to do it all on your own you set yourself up for success.

Just remember, this process isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation, strategy, and a little bit of patience. Keep your eyes on the prize, lean on professionals where it makes sense, and don’t let emotions call the shots.

At the end of the day, you want to sell your home quickly, for a great price, and with as little stress as possible. And hey, now that you know what not to do, you’re already ahead of the game.

Got questions or need help? I’m George Woods, and I’ve helped countless homeowners just like you navigate this process with confidence and success. Whether you’re days away from listing or just starting to think about your next move, I’m here to help you do it the smart way.

 

Article provided by: Katherine Langford