Think You Know How to Sell Your Home? Think Again.

With the popularity of house-flipping shows and endless information available on Zillow and similar websites, it’s easy for homeowners to believe they’ve got everything they need to successfully sell their home. But real estate is more nuanced than a 30-minute episode or a quick Zestimate suggests. In fact, this overconfidence can lead to some costly mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Here are the top three errors we see home sellers make—and how to avoid them:

1. Overpricing the Home

With instant valuations and data from recent neighborhood sales at everyone’s fingertips, it’s understandable why many sellers are tempted to set their own price. But pricing a home isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Even appraisals can differ dramatically—sometimes by $20,000–$30,000 on the same property.

The truth is, there’s no perfect formula, and “price per square foot” is not a reliable method. An experienced Realtor brings context that an algorithm simply can’t. We know which comparable sales truly matter—are they the same age, condition, and location? Do they sit on similar lots? Did they have upgrades or structural issues?

Pricing too high means your home may sit on the market, ultimately selling for less. Pricing too low can leave money on the table. Let a professional guide you to that sweet spot.

2. Not Preparing the Home for the Market

“I’ve lived with it like this for years—why would I change anything now?”

We hear this a lot. It’s understandable that sellers don’t want to spend money on a home they plan to leave. But failing to properly prepare your home can cost you far more than you save.

We’re not asking for a full-scale renovation. But small, strategic updates like fresh paint and new carpet often make a huge difference. Buyers want a clean, well-maintained space where they can picture themselves living—not a list of repairs to tackle.

Think about it this way: If you were selling your car, you’d at least have it washed and detailed before showing it. Your home deserves the same care and attention.

3. Hiring the Wrong Realtor

All Realtors are not created equal. Experience matters. Work ethic matters. Market knowledge matters. In fact, 80% of homes are sold by the top 20% of agents.

Choosing the wrong agent—perhaps a friend just starting out or someone who doesn’t know your market—can lead to missed opportunities and lower sale prices. A top-tier agent will help you:

• Price your home correctly

• Prepare it to shine on the market

• Negotiate the best possible deal

When interviewing Realtors, ask the right questions:

• How many homes have you sold in the past year?

• Do you have a team to support the process?

• Can I read your recent reviews?

This is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life—make sure you have a true professional in your corner.

Thinking About Selling Your Home? We’re Here to Help.

Whether you’re ready to sell now or just starting to think about it, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We’re happy to guide you through the process and help you avoid the common (and costly) pitfalls of selling your home.

-by Samara Presley, licensed Real Estate Broker with Smart Choice Realty