6 Common Mistakes When Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be rewarding, but it’s rarely simple. From pricing to paperwork, every step matters.
Many sellers lose time and money because of avoidable missteps. Here are six mistakes that can derail your sale—and how to avoid them.

6 Common Home Selling Mistakes 

1. Not budgeting for the costs

Most sellers expect profit, not bills. But selling your home comes with expenses you need to plan for.

Here are some common expenses sellers face:

• Closing costs

• Agent commissions

• Staging fees

• Home repairs and inspection costs

• Seller concessions

• Moving expenses

If you’re buying a new home at the same time, those costs add up fast.

Staging alone can run a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Closing costs can take 1% to 3% of your sale price. Even hiring a mover or renting a truck can strain your budget. Don’t guess—create a cost estimate before you list.

2. Trying to sell it yourself (For Sale By Owner)

Selling without an agent seems like a way to save money. But most FSBO (For Sale By Owner) homes sell for much less.

In 2024 Real Estate Statistics by NAR, the median FSBO sale price was $380,000, compared to $435,000 with an agent. That $55,000 difference outweighs the commission in most cases.

An agent will market your home, schedule showings, handle paperwork, and negotiate with buyers. They’ll also help you avoid legal risks and missed steps.

You may still make decisions, but with an expert at your side. Selling solo puts you at a disadvantage in price and process.

3. Setting the wrong price

Many sellers base their price on emotion or guesswork. You want top dollar, but the market decides what buyers will pay.

If your home is priced too high, buyers won’t bother to look. If it’s too low, you may miss out on your true value.

Online estimates are often off by thousands of dollars. A local agent can provide a comparative market analysis, based on recent sales nearby. That gives you a realistic starting point. The right price brings in serious buyers and often sparks multiple offers.

4. Skipping the decluttering

Buyers walk into your home and picture their lives in it. If they see clutter, that vision disappears. Your personal items, toys, crowded shelves, or full closets make rooms feel smaller. That can turn buyers off before they finish the tour.

Start with the basics—clear off counters, remove excess furniture, and pack up personal photos. Organize closets and storage spaces. Think of it as preparing for your move early. The cleaner and more spacious your home feels, the more appealing it is.

5. Ignoring repairs

Small repairs can make a big difference. 

Tackle these before putting your home on the market:

• Peeling paint
• Loose doorknobs
• Leaky faucets
• Broken light fixtures
• Cracked windows

Buyers notice these details and wonder what else might be wrong. Minor fixes are cheap but show that you care for the home.

If your home has bigger problems—like a damaged roof, plumbing leaks, or foundation cracks—get quotes. You don’t have to fix everything, but buyers will want to know the facts.

Talk with your agent about whether to repair or price accordingly. Being proactive helps you avoid surprises during inspections.

6. Letting emotions lead

Selling a home isn’t just a business deal—it’s personal. But buyers don’t see your memories. They look at price, condition, and location. Taking things personally makes it harder to make clear decisions.

You may reject fair offers or overestimate your home’s value. Instead, focus on your goals and the data.

Ask yourself: What would you do if you were the buyer?

Lean on your agent to guide you through tough choices.

Selling a home takes more than a sign in the yard. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll stay in control of the process. Smart decisions today lead to better results tomorrow.