Real Estate Agents Answer: What Are The Worst Mistakes Sellers Make?

Selling a home is an emotional process, one that can make sellers susceptible to all sorts of pitfalls along the way. In an effort to help make the transition easier, we asked top real estate agents to point out the biggest mistakes that sellers make. Read them over so you don't fall into the same traps.

Forgetting about curb appeal:

"If you can’t get the buyer’s through the front door, any interior improvements might not matter. Take time to lay new sod, plant hedges, or colorful flowers to create an inviting entrance to the home and set the stage for your buyers to fall in love. The old saying still reigns true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression."

- Les Waites, Agent, The Keyes Company

Pricing your home too high:

One of the biggest mistakes a seller can make is to price their home high. Sellers will think they can always reduce the price if needed. However, the problem with this approach is the home will sit on the market until the home is priced right and it may become stigmatized. Price your home right  from the start - based on comparable recent sales, upgrades, and condition - and it will sell fast."

- John Myers, Broker/Owner, Myers & Myers Real Estate

Not preparing the home for sale:

"The biggest mistake I see is sellers who try to rush to put a property on the market without the proper preparation. Too often, I see sellers disregard easy steps like decluttering and staging their home. If they would’ve taken the extra time to do these things, they could very well see a higher purchase price and save time on the market. Real estate is like any other product — proper delivery is paramount to success."

-Talbot Sutter, President/Broker, Sutter & Nugent Real Estate

Neglecting to make necessary repairs:

"Many homeowners who are planning on selling within a few months or years tend to put off maintenance because 'it won't be their problem for long,' but this can prove to be a costly mistake. Once you sell the property, you will have to disclose all known defects to a potential buyer. It's likely that the repairs will be more expensive to fix later and will come off the sales price of your home."

- Craig Mracek, CEO of Keylo

Investing in unnecessary upgrades: