4 Things Not To Do When Selling Your Home

Selling a home can be complicated—and it’s something many people have their own thoughts about. So it's no surprise that friends and family often have strong opinions on how it should be done.

However, while their intentions may be good, it’s important not to let their advice override the guidance of your real estate agent.

With that said, here are four common mistakes to avoid when putting your home on the market.

1. Don’t wait until the end to consult with your agent

In real estate, sellers typically only pay one fee: a commission based on the final sale price of the home.

This fee stays the same regardless of how much guidance you get from your agent—which is why it’s smart to involve them early in the process. The sooner you bring them on board, the more support they can offer.

Sellers live in their homes every day, so it’s easy to become blind to issues or outdated features. A fresh set of eyes—like an agent or a property stylist—can spot those things and give advice that aligns with what today’s market is looking for.

They can also help you weigh up whether major renovations are worth it. The key to a successful sale is thinking like a buyer.

2. Don’t list with the cheapest agent

With strong negotiation abilities and a solid network of industry contacts, a great agent can be the key factor that pushes your sale price above expectations rather than falling slightly short.

That’s why it’s important not to focus solely on their fees when choosing who to work with—there’s real value in what the right agent brings to the table.

Ask the agent to walk you through how they would approach negotiations with a buyer—this will give you valuable insight into their strategy and skill in one of the most crucial parts of the selling journey.

Also, be sure to find out how they plan to attract potential buyers. In the past, low interest rates and high demand did most of the heavy lifting, but in today’s cooler market, it’s the agent’s job to generate interest and drive competition for your property.

3. Don’t set your price too high

While price might not be the biggest factor in a buyer’s final decision, it’s often the quickest way they narrow down their options when browsing properties.

If your home is priced too high, you could end up turning away a lot of potential buyers who might have been genuinely interested.

Buyers usually narrow down their top picks to just a few properties to visit on a Saturday—and if yours seems overpriced, it’s likely to be skipped altogether. That means missing out on the crucial initial buzz that typically happens in the first few weeks a home is listed.

Sure, you can lower the price later, but once a property has been sitting on the market for a while, it can start to raise red flags. Buyers may assume there's a problem, even if the price drops.

That early momentum is hard to regain. Once someone has passed on your home, getting them to take a second look is rarely easy.

4. Don’t skimp on marketing costs

Buying or selling a home is never a low-cost exercise—but trying to cut corners isn’t always the smartest move.

A strong marketing campaign that reaches a wide audience is one of the most powerful tools to generate interest in your property. And more interest usually means a better sale price.

Spending a little extra—say, $1,000 more on marketing—can pay off big time. It’s a much better outcome than losing tens of thousands because your property didn’t get the exposure it needed.