Selling your home is a big deal. You want top dollar, a smooth sale, and a quick turnaround. But in today’s market, that’s easier said than done. The real estate landscape has shifted, and if you’re not prepared, you could find yourself stuck with a “For Sale” sign that won’t come down.
According to a recent survey by JBREC and Keeping Current Matters, the #1 challenge sellers face is setting the right price for their home. And that’s just the beginning. Let’s walk through the top three mistakes sellers are making right now — and how to avoid them.
1. Pricing Your Home Too High
Imagine this: You’re at an auction, and the starting bid is sky-high. Do you raise your paddle? Probably not. You wait it out or walk away entirely. That’s exactly what buyers do when a home is priced too high.
Today’s buyers are more cautious than ever. With interest rates higher and budgets tighter, an overpriced home sends them running. The survey shows that 58% of agents say sellers struggle to nail the right price—and many end up with painful price cuts later, plus paying additional carrying costs until their house sells.
As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits.”
Pro Tip: Don’t play the pricing game solo. Great Missouri Homes uses hyper-local market data to price your home right from day one. We know what your neighbor’s house sold for last month and how that impacts your home’s value today.
2. Skipping the Small Fixes, Cleaning & Home Staging
Picture this: A buyer walks in, and the first thing they notice is a dripping faucet. No big deal, right? Wrong. In their mind, if you haven’t fixed the faucet, what else might be broken? That tiny leak can cast a shadow of doubt over the whole house.
Small maintenance issues can turn into big negotiation headaches. And buyers today aren’t afraid to ask for discounts or concessions.
As Investopedia warns: “Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain… Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all.”
Cleaning and staging make your home feel inviting and well-cared for. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “83% of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.” A clean, clutter-free space helps buyers picture their own lives there—not your family’s last movie night.
Pro Tip: Before listing, walk through your house with fresh eyes. Fix the leaky faucets, patch the scuffs on the walls, and tighten that wobbly doorknob. Need help prioritizing? We’ve got you covered.
3. Refusing to Negotiate
Think of selling your home like a first date — it’s all about finding common ground. If you dig in your heels, the deal might fizzle out.
Buyers are stretching their dollars today, and many will test the waters with a lower offer. Don’t take it personally. It’s not a slight against your home; it’s just their way of seeing what’s possible.
As U.S. News Real Estate reminds us: “Consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”
Pro Tip: Stay flexible. Whether it’s negotiating closing costs or minor repairs, a little give-and-take can go a long way. We’ll help you navigate these conversations to keep your bottom line intact.
The Biggest Mistake? Going It Alone
Selling a house is more than posting pretty pictures online. Pricing, marketing, negotiating — it’s a full-time job. And doing it without expert help can cost you time, money, and sanity.
At Great Missouri Homes, we make sure your sale is smart, smooth, and profitable. So, if you’re thinking about selling in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, or surrounding areas, let’s talk. We’ll help you avoid these pitfalls and get you from “For Sale” to “Sold” — without the stress.
