Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about putting a ‘For Sale’ sign up and waiting for offers to roll in — it’s about presenting your property in the best possible way, pricing it right, and navigating the process with a clear plan. Many vendors fall into the same traps, leading to a slower sale or even a lower final price.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve outlined the most common mistakes people make when selling their homes — and how you can sidestep them.
1. Overpricing your home
It’s easy to believe your home is worth more than the market suggests, especially if you’ve spent years maintaining and improving it. However, overpricing is one of the fastest ways to turn potential buyers away.
Properties priced too high often sit unsold for weeks or months, and eventually, sellers are forced to drop the price — sometimes below what they could have achieved if priced realistically from the start. Look at similar homes in your area that have sold recently, and get a professional valuation from a trusted estate agent to ensure your price aligns with market expectations.
2. Neglecting home staging
When buyers walk into your home, they should be able to picture themselves living there. A messy room, overly personal decor, or crowded spaces can make this difficult.
Decluttering, removing personal items like family photos, and arranging furniture to highlight space and functionality can go a long way in helping buyers see the potential of your property. If needed, invest in a professional stager — they know how to make a home look its best and most inviting.
3. Skipping professional photography
Most buyers start their property search online, and your listing photos are often their first impression. Poor quality, dark, or blurry photos can turn them off before they even consider booking a viewing. Hiring a professional photographer who specialises in property photography ensures your home is shown in the best light. Good lighting, wide angles, and well-composed shots can make your property stand out from others on the market.
4. Ignoring repairs and maintenance
Minor issues — like a leaky tap, peeling paint, or cracked tiles — might seem insignificant, but they can send a signal to buyers that the home hasn’t been well cared for. These minor red flags can make them question if there are bigger hidden problems. Make a list of repairs, both big and small, and tackle them before putting your home on the market. It’s worth investing a little upfront to prevent buyers from negotiating down the price later.
5. Being inflexible with viewings
The more people see your home, the higher your chances of receiving an offer. However, if you’re overly rigid with viewing times or frequently cancel appointments, buyers might simply move on to the next property. Try to be as accommodating as possible with viewing requests, even if it means some inconvenience. If you’re unavailable, consider giving your estate agent a spare key to host viewings on your behalf.
6. Overlooking kerb appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, and first impressions count. An unkempt lawn, peeling paint, or cluttered entrance can put people off before they’ve even stepped inside. Simple touches—like tidying the garden, repainting the front door, cleaning windows, and adding potted plants—can instantly boost your home’s kerb appeal. Minor improvements here often make a big difference in how buyers perceive your property.
Related: How to value garden land
7. Letting emotions cloud decisions
Your home is likely filled with memories, but emotional attachment can cloud your judgement during selling. Whether it’s being stubborn on price, reacting poorly to feedback from buyers, or refusing to compromise during negotiations, emotions can slow down the sale. Treat the sale like a business transaction — listen to feedback, stay open to negotiations, and trust your estate agent’s advice to guide you through the process objectively.
8. Poor marketing
Simply listing your home on a property website and hoping for the best isn’t enough in today’s market. Effective marketing means reaching the right audience through multiple channels — online listings, social media, email campaigns, and more.
Work with an estate agent who has a solid marketing strategy. Virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and social media campaigns can all increase visibility and attract potential buyers.
9. Choosing the wrong estate agent
Not all estate agents have the same approach and experience. Choosing an estate agent based purely on the lowest fees or the highest valuation can backfire if they lack experience, local market knowledge, or a proactive approach. Do your research. Look for agents with good reviews, a track record of sales in your area, and a clear marketing plan. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their strategy for selling your home—it’s too important to leave it to chance.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful or drawn out. Avoiding these common mistakes can streamline the process, attract more interested buyers, and secure the best possible price. Take your time to prepare your home, set a realistic price, and work with professionals you trust. After all, selling your property is not just about closing a deal — it’s about moving on to your next chapter with confidence and satisfaction.
For help selling your property or finding your next home, contact your local branch today.
