Thinking About Selling? Avoid These 5 Common (and Costly) Mistakes
If you’re thinking about selling your home, there are a few key things that can trip up the process or cost you money. As realtors, we see it all. I’ve helped a lot of clients navigate the selling side, and I can tell you these five mistakes come up more often than you’d think. The good news? They’re all totally fixable with the right strategy and support.
1. Overpricing from the Start
This one’s tough, because it’s easy to get emotionally tied to what you think your home is worth. But pricing it too high can backfire fast. When homes are overpriced, they tend to sit on the market longer, which can raise red flags for buyers. If you list 8–10% above market value, the average time on market jumps to over 24 weeks and chances are, you’ll end up making price cuts anyway.
What to do: We'll take a close look at real comps in your area, not just listed prices, but what homes are actually selling for. Pricing it right from day one helps attract strong interest, increase showings, and possibly even spark a bidding war
2. Curb Appeal Gets Overlooked
First impressions are everything. Most buyers do a quick drive-by before scheduling a showing and if the outside doesn’t look inviting, they’ll keep driving. Overgrown grass, faded paint, or a tired looking front porch can all make a home feel neglected, even if the inside is spotless.
Quick fix: A little effort goes a long way. Tidy up the yard, trim bushes, plant some seasonal flowers, swap out that old doormat, and throw a fresh coat of paint on the front door. You want buyers to feel good before they even step inside.
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3. Too Much “You” in the House
We all live differently, but when you’re selling, the goal is to help buyers imagine themselves in the space. If your home is filled with personal photos, collections, or bold decor, it can distract from the home’s features and make rooms feel smaller or overly specific.
What to do: Less really is more. Clear off kitchen and bathroom counters, tuck away family photos, and simplify wherever you can. One of the perks of listing with Rhae Group Realty is that we bring in a professional interior designer to walk through your home with fresh eyes. Maybe we move a piece of furniture, declutter a space, or rearrange a room. Small changes can make a big impact. Our goal is to make your home look its absolute best before it hits the market.
4. Skipping the Small Stuff
That door that doesn’t close quite right, the faucet that drips, the cracked switch plate, buyers notice those things. And when they do, they start wondering what else might need fixing. Even little issues can chip away at a buyer’s confidence and make your home feel less move-in ready.
Quick tip: Knock out those small repairs before your home hits the market. It not only helps your home show better, but also signals to buyers that it’s been well cared for. At Rhae Group Realty, we’ve got a vetted list of trusted contractors and handymen who can help take care of those punch-list items quickly and affordably so you don’t have to stress about it.
5. Bad Listing Photos
This one’s big. The majority of buyers start their home search online, and if your photos don’t pop, they’ll scroll right past no matter how great the house is in person. Dark lighting, bad angles, or low-res images can seriously hurt your chances of getting showings.
What to do: Professional photography is a game-changer, and we include it for every listing. At Rhae Group Realty, we go beyond just great photos. We also include drone photography for exterior shots, and every one of our listings gets a Zillow Showcase upgrade. That means high-resolution images, an interactive floor plan, and immersive virtual tours that help your home stand out in a crowded market.
Selling a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right prep and a smart strategy, you can get top dollar without the stress. That’s what we’re here for.
If you're thinking about selling or even just wondering what your home might be worth , reach out. At Rhae Group Realty we’ll walk you through it all, step by step.