5 Common Mistakes Sellers Make and How to Avoid Them

Selling your home can be a thrilling yet overwhelming experience, especially with the state’s competitive real estate market. From bustling cities to the serene coastal towns, each area has its own dynamics, and the process can be tricky if you’re not fully prepared. Even seasoned sellers can fall into common traps that could affect the outcome of their sale.

To help you avoid costly mistakes and get the best price for your home, we’ve put together a list of the 5 most common mistakes sellers make—and how to avoid them.

Overpricing Your Home

In California, especially in sought-after areas like the Bay Area or coastal cities, it’s easy to think your home is worth more than it actually is. While you may have an emotional attachment to your property, overpricing it can have serious consequences.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Homes that are overpriced often sit on the market longer than those priced correctly, which can make them appear stale or undesirable.
• Potential buyers may not even consider your home if it’s priced out of their range.

How to avoid it:

• Do your homework: Work with a local real estate agent who knows your neighborhood’s market and has access to recent comparable sales (“comps”).
• Price strategically: An experienced agent can help you determine the right price that will attract serious buyers without undervaluing your home.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Staged homes generally sell faster and for a higher price than non-staged homes.
• A messy, cluttered space can distract buyers from your home’s best features and make it harder for them to envision themselves living there.

How to avoid it:

• Declutter and depersonalize: Remove personal items, family photos, and excess furniture. This makes the space feel larger and allows buyers to imagine their own belongings in the home.
• Consider professional staging: In many parts of California, investing in professional staging can make a huge difference in how your home is perceived. It can highlight your property’s strengths and downplay any weaknesses.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Unaddressed repairs may raise red flags for buyers and can even result in a lower offer or a failed sale.
• Buyers often factor the cost of repairs into their offers, which could mean leaving money on the table.

How to avoid it:

• Complete essential repairs: Take care of obvious issues like leaky faucets, cracked windows, and worn-out flooring before listing. A pre-sale inspection can help identify any hidden problems.
• Prioritize upgrades that add value: Focus on high-return improvements like updating the kitchen or bathroom, or boosting curb appeal with landscaping. In California, these changes can make a big difference in attracting buyers and getting top dollar for your home.

Why it’s a mistake:

• If your home’s exterior is rundown or unkempt, potential buyers might assume the inside is in poor condition as well
• Neglecting curb appeal could lead buyers to pass on your property in favor of one with a more inviting exterior.

How to avoid it:

• Boost curb appeal with simple upgrades: Freshen up the landscaping, mow the lawn, trim trees and shrubs, and paint the front door. California buyers love a home that’s clean and inviting from the curb.
• Power wash and touch up: A clean, well-maintained exterior can make a huge difference. Pressure wash your driveway, walkways, and siding to remove dirt and grime.

Why it’s a mistake:

• Limiting showings to specific times or dates could reduce the number of interested buyers.
• The more accessible your property is, the more likely it is to sell quickly—and at the right price.

How to avoid it:

• Be flexible with showing times: Try to accommodate evening and weekend showings to give potential buyers more opportunities to tour your home.
• Consider virtual tours: In California’s tech-savvy world, offering virtual tours or high-quality videos can attract out-of-state or out-of-town buyers who may not be able to visit in person.