5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Selling

If your home has been sitting on the market for a while, I know how stressful the constant showings, open houses, and uncertainty of when you can move on with your life plans. So, I’m breaking down the top 5 common mistakes sellers make that keep their home from selling.

1. Overpricing the Home: It’s tempting to set a high price, but serious buyers are comparison shopping and know what similar homes in your area are going for. When your home is overpriced, you’ll likely see fewer showings, and the longer it sits, the more buyers may wonder if something is wrong. Plus, if the appraisal comes in lower than your asking price, it could lead to potential issues. Pricing your home right from the start attracts serious, motivated buyers, often leading to multiple offers and driving the price up naturally.

2. Too Many Personal Items: Another common mistake I see is sellers don’t take the time to remove their personal items. Buyers need a blank canvas to imagine their own lives in your space. Cluttered closets and personal items can make rooms feel cramped and it feels like we’re intruding in your private space. Taking the time to declutter and remove personal belongings before listing your home creates a neutral, inviting atmosphere, allowing buyers to focus on your home’s features rather than being distracted by your things.

3. Odor. Whether it’s pet odor, cigarette smoke, mildew, or even air freshener used to cover up odors, strange smells can be a major turn off. No matter how beautiful a home is, a bad smell can create an immediate bad impression and can lead to assumptions about the overall condition of the home. A thorough deep cleaning, replacing old carpets, and ensuring proper ventilation can help eliminate unpleasant scents. A clean-smelling home can make all the difference in attracting serious offers!

4. Visible damage: Cracked windows or broken fixtures can signal to buyers that the home isn’t well cared for, leading them to question what bigger, more expensive problems could be hiding. Taking care of visible issues helps present a welcoming, well maintained environment that shines in a competitive market.

5. Not hiring us! The real estate landscape has evolved, and the days of putting a home on MLS and expecting it to sell itself are gone. Choosing a committed, hardworking, and proactive realtor can make all the difference. 

My partner Catherine Kim and I specialize in cutting edge, marketing strategies designed to maximize exposure and attract serious buyers. We go beyond traditional methods to stage your home, reach your target demographic, ensuring your home gets the attention it deserves. 

If your home hasn’t sold yet, we’d love to the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how we can transform your experience into a successful sale. We proudly serve the beautiful beach towns from Coronado to Oceanside and Irvine to Temecula. Give us a ring today — we can’t wait to connect!