Selling a home is a big step – and while Westbury’s property market remains active, the difference between a good sale and a great one often comes down to the details.
As estate agents working locally every day, we’ve seen the same mistakes crop up time and again. The good news? Every single one is avoidable.
If you’re getting ready to sell, here are the most common pitfalls – and how to steer clear of them.
1. Overpricing the property
It’s natural to want the highest possible price for your home. But overpricing can lead to fewer viewings, longer time on the market, and ultimately – lower offers.
Buyers in Westbury are well informed. They’ll compare your property to others in the area, and they know when something feels out of step.
How to avoid it:
Start with a realistic, data-led valuation. At Martin & Co Westbury, we base our pricing on current buyer demand, not guesswork. We’ll show you comparable sales, market trends, and explain how we reached the figure – so you can feel confident from day one.
2. Poor photography and presentation
Most buyers see your home online before they ever step inside. First impressions count – and grainy photos, cluttered rooms or poor lighting can turn them off before they’ve even booked a viewing.
In a competitive market, presentation gives you the edge.
How to avoid it:
We offer professional photography as standard. We’ll also advise on simple tweaks – like staging, decluttering and lighting – to make your home shine online and in person.
3. Choosing an agent based on fee alone
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest quote – but when it comes to selling your biggest asset, service matters more than savings.
An agent who cuts corners may cost you more in the long run – through lower offers, delayed sales or poor communication.
How to avoid it:
Ask what’s included. Look at track record, responsiveness and local experience. At Martin & Co Westbury, we offer transparent fees and a fully managed sale from start to finish – with no shortcuts and no upselling.
4. Not preparing the paperwork
Delays often happen not during marketing, but after you’ve accepted an offer. Missing paperwork, unclear boundaries or unknown lease terms can all slow things down – or even cause a sale to fall through.
How to avoid it:
We’ll guide you through the documents you need to prepare, from title deeds to energy certificates. If you’re not sure what applies to your property, we’ll help you check – early on.
5. Letting emotions get in the way
Selling a home is emotional – especially if it’s where you’ve built memories. But emotional decisions can sometimes cloud judgement, whether it’s refusing a fair offer or reacting poorly to feedback.
How to avoid it:
Work with an agent who gives you space to talk it through – and offers honest, calm advice. We’re here to support your decision, not rush it.
6. Not being ready to move
A serious buyer will want to know your next steps. If you haven’t got a plan, you risk delays – or even losing the sale.
How to avoid it:
Start thinking ahead early. Do you need to rent before you buy again? Have you got your mortgage agreement in place? We’ll walk you through timelines and help keep everything on track.
- Assuming it will sell itself
Even the best properties need the right marketing and negotiation. Relying on luck – or listing and waiting – often leads to disappointment.
How to avoid it:
We don’t just list properties. We promote them with targeted advertising, matched buyer alerts and proactive follow-up. We’ll also handle offers carefully – negotiating in your interest, not just for a quick win.
Selling with Martin & Co Westbury
We’ve helped hundreds of people sell homes across Westbury, West Wiltshire and the surrounding villages – from first-time sellers to experienced movers.
When you work with us, you get:
- A realistic, expert-led valuation
- Clear, jargon-free advice throughout
- Professional photos and marketing on all major platforms
- Regular updates and honest feedback
- Offer negotiation and full sales progression
- No sale, no fee
Our goal is simple: to help you move with confidence – and get the result you deserve.
Thinking of selling?
If you’re considering a move this year, we’re here to help. Book a free, no-obligation valuation with our local team – and let’s have a proper chat about what your home could be worth, and how to get the best result.
Visit us in branch
Book your free valuation with us
