Common Mistakes Sellers Make That Cost Them Tens of Thousands
Most sellers don’t lose money because the market is bad.
They lose money because of small decisions made early that snowball later.
Here are the most common mistakes I see — and how to avoid them.
1. Overpricing “Just to See What Happens”
This is the big one.
Overpricing:
Reduces early buyer interest
Pushes serious buyers to better-priced homes
Forces price reductions later
The irony?
Homes that start too high often sell for less than those priced correctly from day one.
The market doesn’t reward optimism — it rewards accuracy.
2. Missing the Early Momentum Window
The first 14–21 days are critical.
That’s when:
Buyer alerts are fresh
Interest is highest
Competition is most likely
If momentum is missed early, buyers start asking “What’s wrong with it?” — even when nothing is.
3. Choosing the Wrong Selling Strategy
Offers Over, Fixed Price, Auction — none are “bad”.
What’s bad is using the wrong one for:
Your property type
Your local demand
Your target buyer
Strategy should fit the home, not the agent’s preference.
4. Spending Money in the Wrong Places
Many sellers:
Over-renovate
Under-prepare
Spend without advice
Not all improvements add value.
Some just make sellers feel better.
Smart preparation is targeted, not emotional.
5. Poor Presentation and Marketing
Buyers judge homes online before they ever step inside.
Weak photography, poor copy, or rushed presentation can:
Kill enquiry
Reduce competition
Impact price
You only get one first impression — and it happens digitally.
6. Ignoring Market Feedback
The market talks early.
Low enquiry, no offers, or repeated objections are signals — not inconveniences.
Ignoring feedback costs time.
Time costs money.
7. Letting Emotion Control Negotiation
Selling is emotional.
Negotiation should not be.
Common issues:
Taking offers personally
Holding out for unrealistic numbers
Walking away from strong buyers
Good negotiation balances emotion with data.
The Biggest Cost Isn’t on the Invoice
The most expensive mistake sellers make isn’t commission or marketing.
It’s:
Poor pricing
Weak strategy
Missed momentum
Those don’t show up as line items — they show up in the final result.
Final Thought
Most selling mistakes are avoidable with:
Clear advice
Honest pricing
A tailored strategy
If you’re planning to sell — now or later — understanding these pitfalls early can save you tens of thousands, not just stress.
A short, no-pressure conversation before making decisions can make all the difference.
