9 Costly Mistakes First-Time Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Don't Learn These Lessons the Hard Way

The #1 mistake. Overpriced homes sit on the market, develop stigma, and ultimately sell for LESS than if priced correctly from the start.

Buyers pay more for move-in ready homes. A small investment in preparation typically returns 2-5x its cost.

Your home is worth what buyers will pay, not what you need or what you spent on improvements.

85% of buyers start their search online. Dark, blurry, or cluttered photos kill interest before a showing ever happens.

Buyers can't envision themselves in your home while you're there. Leave during showings — every time.

47% of buyers who drive by a home won't even go inside if the exterior is unappealing.

Spending $20,000 on a kitchen remodel that adds $10,000 in value is a $10,000 loss. Get data before you spend.

Hiding problems leads to failed inspections, lawsuits, and collapsed deals. Disclose everything upfront.

The cheapest agent isn't the best value. Interview multiple agents, check their recent sales data, and ask for references.