Top two costly mistakes home sellers must avoid to ensure a successful and profitable sale

The Two Mistakes Sellers Cannot Afford to Do!

July 28, 20252 min read

Avoid the top two home-selling mistakes that can cost you thousands. Learn what every seller must know to price smart and prepare right in today’s real estate market.

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Yet, far too many homeowners lose money—or delay their sale—by making two critical mistakes. If you're preparing to sell your home, you cannot afford to get these wrong.

The Two Mistakes Home Sellers Cannot Afford to Make

Let’s break them down and talk about how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Overpricing the Home

It’s tempting to “test the market” with a high price. After all, your home is full of memories and value to you. But buyers don’t buy memories—they buy market value.

Why Overpricing Backfires:

  • Your home sits longer on the market, creating a “stale” listing.

  • You miss the crucial first 7–10 days when buyer interest is at its peak.

  • You may end up reducing the price anyway—and often below what it could have sold for initially.

  • It limits your buyer pool (fewer showings = fewer offers).

Smart Strategy:
Work with a real estate professional to run a comparative market analysis (CMA). Price it right the first time to spark competition, drive demand, and possibly sell above asking in a bidding situation.

💡 Remember: A well-priced home sells faster and often for more money.

Mistake #2: Skipping Preparation and Presentation

First impressions matter. And in a competitive market, how your home looks online and in person can make or break your sale.

Common Presentation Pitfalls:

  • Cluttered spaces and poor staging

  • Neglecting minor repairs

  • Low-quality or missing listing photos

  • Ignoring curb appeal

Buyers want a move-in-ready home. If your home feels neglected, buyers will either walk away or offer far less than your asking price.

Smart Strategy:

  • Declutter and depersonalize

  • Deep clean every room (yes, even baseboards and closets!)

  • Fix obvious issues (leaky faucet, broken light fixture, etc.)

  • Invest in professional photography and staging if possible

  • Boost curb appeal with landscaping, a fresh doormat, and clean windows

🏡 You're not just selling a house—you’re selling the dream of a better life.


Bonus Tip: Partner With the Right Realtor®

The best way to avoid these costly mistakes? Work with an experienced local agent who knows the market, understands buyer psychology, and will help you prepare and price strategically.

If you're thinking about selling your home in [your area], don’t go it alone. Let's talk about a custom game plan to sell your home faster and for top dollar—without leaving money on the table.


⬇️ Watch here and learn more:

Top 2% of Agents in Central Virginia, Principal Broker & Owner, Hope George Real Estate and Covenant Group Realty

Hope George, EdD

Top 2% of Agents in Central Virginia, Principal Broker & Owner, Hope George Real Estate and Covenant Group Realty

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