Selling your home is no easy process in terms of both the actual logistics and the emotional connection you often have to your home. After all, according to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2021, the average seller reported living in their homes for about 14 years before selling. While most sales don’t go 100 percent smoothly, there are some common home-selling mistakes you can avoid to help make the process less stressful and less emotional. (1)

You wish to get the best price for your property, but numerous mistakes can be made. However, with proper planning and guidance, you can avoid them. Doing so can make the process smoother and less stressful for yourself and potential buyers. In this article, we’ll outline nine of the most common mistakes made when selling a home and offer tips on how to avoid them.

Overpricing Your Home

Overpricing a home can turn off potential buyers, reduce the number of showings, and prolong the selling process. Pricing your home competitively is crucial, and this can be achieved by conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA) with the help of a real estate agent. 

To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to research and understand the local real estate market’s current conditions. Consider working with a good real estate agent who can provide valuable insight into pricing trends, comparable properties in the area, and other factors affecting your home’s value. Pricing your home competitively will attract more potential buyers, increase your chances of receiving multiple offers, and ultimately help you sell your home more quickly.

Neglecting Home Repairs

Neglecting home repairs can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of your property. When potential buyers visit your property, they are looking for a place to call home and want to be sure it is in good condition. Any noticeable repairs that need to be done, such as leaky faucets or broken light fixtures, can turn off potential buyers.

To avoid this mistake, assessing your home’s condition and making any necessary repairs before listing it for sale is crucial. Consider hiring a home inspector to identify potential issues you may have overlooked. This will improve your home’s appearance and value and appeal to potential buyers.

Failing to Stage Your Home

Staging involves aesthetically arranging furniture and decor to highlight your home’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s essential to declutter your home and remove personal items before staging to help buyers envision themselves living in the space. Staging can be done on a budget or by hiring a professional stager to provide more comprehensive services.

To avoid this mistake, consider working with a professional home stager who can help you highlight your home’s best features and create a welcoming environment. This can include removing clutter, updating decor, and rearranging furniture to create an appealing flow and maximize space.

Not Marketing Your Home Effectively

Marketing is essential when selling a home, and reaching as many potential buyers as possible is crucial. This can include creating professional photographs and videos, listing your home on popular real estate websites, and promoting your home through social media channels.

To avoid this mistake, consider working with a Kansas City we buy houses agent with experience marketing homes in your area. They can help create a marketing plan listing your home on popular real estate websites, social media, and other marketing channels to ensure maximum visibility.

Ignoring Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a crucial factor in attracting potential buyers. Potential buyers will often make a snap judgment based on the exterior of your home, so it’s crucial to make a good first impression.

Consider investing in small upgrades such as new exterior paint, updated landscaping, and a well-maintained lawn to avoid this mistake. These small changes can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home and help create a positive first impression with potential buyers.

Failing to Disclose Property Issues

Failing to disclose property issues can have legal and financial consequences, leading to mistrust between the seller and potential buyers. This includes leaks, foundation issues, or other significant repairs needed. 

To avoid making the mistake, being transparent with potential buyers is crucial. This can include providing a detailed seller’s disclosure statement that outlines any known issues with your property. Conducting a home inspection before listing your home for sale is also a good idea. This will identify any issues you may not have been aware of and allow you to address them before potential buyers visit your property.

Being Emotionally Attached to Your Home

Being emotionally attached to your home can make it difficult to approach the selling process objectively. It’s understandable to have an emotional connection to your home, as it is where you have created memories and built your life.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to depersonalize your home before putting it on the market. This includes removing personal items, decluttering, and neutralizing the decor. It’s also a good idea to view your home as a product you’re selling rather than a personal space. This will help you decide based on market conditions rather than emotional attachment.

Not Allowing for Showings

Not allowing for showings can significantly impact your home’s selling potential. Limiting showing times or being inflexible with potential buyers can result in missed opportunities and a longer time on the market.

To avoid making the mistake, it’s important to make your home available for potential buyers. This can include being flexible with showing times and accommodating potential buyers’ schedules. It’s also a good idea to always keep your home clean and tidy to be ready for a showing immediately. 

Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent

A good agent can assist you in navigating the complexities of the selling process and can provide valuable insights into the local real estate market. On the other hand, a poor agent can be a major liability and result in a slower selling process or even a lower sale price.

To avoid making the mistake, it’s important to research and choose an agent from we buy houses Kansas City, with a proven track record of success. Start by researching agents online and reading reviews from past clients. Ask friends and family for recommendations on agents they’ve worked with.