5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make

November 11, 2025

By: Mary Murphy

Thinking about selling your home? One wrong move could cost you thousands. I’ve seen it happen often. Let’s make sure you don’t make these five common mistakes that quietly sabotage home value. 

1. Overpricing in a Competitive Market
I get it, you’ve poured your heart and soul into this property, it’s a part of you, and it’s tempting to aim high. But overpricing your home can actually backfire. When a home sits on the market too long, buyers start to wonder if something's wrong. In my experience, pricing it right from day one brings in more interest, more showings, and often, multiple offers.

2. Skipping the Deep Clean and Staging
I always tell my clients: buyers shop with their eyes first. A clean, well-staged home helps them imagine living there. You don't need to go over the top, but a professional cleaning and some simple staging can completely transform how your home is perceived.

3. Ignoring Easy Fixes
Little issues like leaky faucets or scuffed baseboards may not seem like a big deal to you, but they can raise red flags for buyers. Before listing, I walk my clients through a simple checklist of quick fixes that can really pay off. 

Quick fixes that make a big difference:

  • Patch nail holes

  • Fix dripping faucets

  • Touch up paint

  • Tighten squeaky hinges

4. Hanging Onto Personal Style
I love seeing the unique ways people make a house their home. But when it comes to selling, bold colors or personalized decor can distract buyers. I often recommend a fresh coat of neutral paint and decluttering to help your home appeal to the widest audience.

5. Limiting Showings
I know it’s not always easy to keep your home "show ready," but the more people who see your home, the better your chances of getting top dollar. I work closely with my sellers to make showings as smooth and flexible as possible.

Maximize Value When Selling Your Home

Selling a home requires more than simply listing it on the MLS, it’s a strategic process that blends timing, presentation, and marketing expertise to capture buyer emotion and maximize value. For my clients, I provide a comprehensive approach that anticipates challenges, avoids common mistakes, and elevates every detail of the sale. I take a vested, hands-on role in preparing each property, ensuring it shows at its absolute best. Check out my blog on high-impact upgrades that add real value and my Remodeling Page where I share real examples that made a difference for my sellers.

Let’s connect and make your home sale a success. Call me today…

 

Mary Murphy

650-773-4999

[email protected] | REALTOR® | DRE# 00675838

 

 

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