Selling your house is a big move—financially and emotionally. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, your goal is usually the same: sell quickly, for the best price possible, with as little stress as you can manage.
But even in a seller’s market, there are a few common missteps that can stall your sale or leave money on the table. Here are seven things you shouldn’t do when selling your home—and what to do instead.
1. Don’t Overprice Your Home
It’s tempting to aim high, especially if you’ve made upgrades or feel emotionally connected to the space. But pricing too high out of the gate can scare off serious buyers, drag out your listing, and ultimately force a price cut later.
What to do instead: Work with a local real estate expert who understands current market trends and can price your home competitively to attract qualified buyers from day one.
2. Don’t Skip Staging or Decluttering
Buyers want to picture themselves living in the home—not sorting through your clutter. Overly personalized or crowded spaces can make your home feel smaller and less appealing.
What to do instead: Clean, declutter, and stage with a neutral eye. Sometimes, less is more. Highlight your home’s best features and create a warm, welcoming feel.
3. Don’t Hide Repairs
Leaky faucets, chipped paint, broken tiles—these might seem minor, but buyers notice. Small issues can raise big questions: “If they didn’t fix that, what else might be wrong?”
What to do instead: Make necessary repairs before listing. A well-maintained home gives buyers peace of mind and can lead to stronger offers.
4. Don’t Stick Around During Showings
As a seller, it’s natural to want to hear what buyers think. But being present during a showing can make potential buyers feel uncomfortable, rushed, or like they’re intruding.
What to do instead: Step out and let your agent handle it. Buyers are more likely to relax, take their time, and imagine the home as theirs.
5. Don’t Rely on DIY Photos
In today’s digital-first world, your listing photos are the first impression. Dark, blurry, or poorly framed images can turn buyers off before they even step foot inside.
What to do instead: Invest in professional real estate photography. It’s a small upfront cost that can make a huge difference in how quickly and confidently your home sells.
6. Don’t Get Emotionally Attached to the Outcome
You may have memories in every corner, but once your home is on the market, it becomes a product. Letting emotions dictate your decisions can lead to unrealistic expectations or tense negotiations.
What to do instead: Stay focused on your bigger goal—selling and moving forward. Your agent can help you stay grounded and navigate tough conversations with clarity.
7. Don’t Go It Alone
Some sellers try to save money by skipping a real estate agent. But without expert guidance, you could end up with legal risks, pricing errors, or missed opportunities.
What to do instead: Partner with a trusted local agent who knows how to market, negotiate, and advocate for your best interests from start to finish.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does require strategy, preparation, and a team you trust.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you sell faster, smarter, and with more confidence.
Thinking about selling your home? I’ve helped countless clients sell faster, smarter, and with less stress—by avoiding the common mistakes that can cost you time and money. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to make a move (or just want to explore your options), let’s connect.
– Peter Cunha
Realtor® | Monmouth and Ocean County Expert
📲 Call/Text: (917) 690-5390
📩petercunharealtor@gmail.com
