{"id":99740,"date":"2025-04-11T09:56:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T16:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=99740"},"modified":"2025-04-11T09:56:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T16:56:10","slug":"home-selling-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-selling-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Common Home Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Selling a home<\/span><\/a> is much more than putting a \u201cFor Sale\u201d sign in the yard and watching offers roll in. Today\u2019s buyers, from <\/span>San Diego, CA<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>Charlotte, NC<\/span><\/a>, are informed and selective, so even small missteps can cause them to walk away. In this article, Seattle-based <\/span>Redfin Agent David Palmer<\/span><\/a> shares the seven most common home-selling mistakes \u2013 and how to avoid them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"One<\/p>\n

1. Overpricing your home<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your home is pricing it too high. \u201cSellers tend not to realize that buyers in your neighborhood know the market,\u201d says Redfin agent David Palmer. \u201cThey\u2019ve seen all the homes, they\u2019ve toured them, they\u2019ve been to the open houses, they\u2019ve made offers on them, they\u2019ve lost out on them. So buyers have a really good idea of what the value is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pro tip:<\/b> Price your home competitively based on <\/span>recent sales<\/span><\/a> in your area. An overpriced home may sit on the market longer, which can make future buyers wary \u2013 even if you eventually drop the price. Palmer continues, \u201cOverpricing kind of turns buyers off because they\u2019ll say, \u2018Okay, I\u2019ll just wait until that comes down to the price it should be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Skipping a pre-listing inspection<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even if your home looks move-in ready, skipping a pre-listing inspection can cause more problems later on. Hidden issues like roof damage, plumbing leaks, or outdated electrical systems may cause buyers to back out of the deal or negotiate repairs after their inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do instead:<\/b> Hire a professional to do a <\/span>pre-inspection<\/span><\/a>. You can fix any issues ahead of time or price your home accordingly. This can reduce additional issues with the buyer\u2019s home inspection later on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Unpleasant odors<\/span><\/h2>\n

Scent is powerful and it can turn buyers off in seconds. Whether it\u2019s an overpowering unpleasant smell or fragrance permeating the home, buyers can recognize these odors the moment they step inside. For example, Palmer states he\u2019s, \u201chad clients walk in, smell the house immediately and say, \u2018We\u2019re out of here.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It can be a common mistake with sellers, as Palmer explains, \u201cIf you smoke or have pets, you may not notice it, but someone brand new will.\u201d You also don\u2019t want to rely on candles or air fresheners to cover up the scent. \u201cThe Glade plugins, those aren\u2019t going to do it.\u201d Palmer continues, \u201cBuyers know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do instead:<\/b> Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and drapes to reduce existing odors. Replace flooring if you have lots of stains. Skip overwhelming scents in favor of fresh, neutral air.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Poor listing photos<\/span><\/h2>\n

Buyers often see your home\u2019s listing photos before they ever tour your home. If your photos are dark, blurry, or unappealing, buyers might skip your home entirely. Not having good listing photos may cause you to lose out on potential buyers \u2013 and eventually offers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do instead::<\/b> Use a <\/span>professional photographer<\/span><\/a>. Ensure every room is well-lit and clean, and highlight your home\u2019s best features, whether it\u2019s natural light, a spacious layout, or updated finishes.<\/span><\/p>\n