By Joe Lins
March 31, 2026

Home sellers often make mistakes that delay or derail sales. Here are common pitfalls and ways to avoid them. If you’re an agent, bookmark this page and share it with your next seller.

Overpricing

An overpriced home will sit unsold. The more days on market, the more potential buyers wonder what’s wrong with the property. Also, buyers have been trained not to make low offers. If they don’t see the value in the price being asked, they won’t write an offer at all. Sellers need to review the comps (comparable properties) with their agent, ask questions about the marketing strategy, and listen to the agent’s recommendations.

Skipping professional photos

This mistake actually falls on the real estate agent, unless the Seller hired an agent who does not use professional photos for their listings – then it’s the Seller’s mistake. A professional photographer knows how to capture the home at its best, as well as photograph tight spaces (think bathrooms) that an amateur with a cellphone camera can’t. Professional photos will showcase the home in the best possible light.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report, the home-buying process for many began online, with 43% of buyers indicating that their first step was to look for properties online. The report states that 100% of buyers used the internet at some point during their home search, making photos an integral part of the online search process.

Sellers need to ask the agent at the listing appointment if they will be using a professional photographer. If not, find one who does.

Not decluttering enough

Unless you live in a minimalist home, your agent will likely advise you to declutter. This can be a challenge for some because they don’t know where to start or where to put all their stuff. Talk to your agent about strategies to support decluttering. Decluttering a home will make it feel more open and spacious, making it more attractive to buyers. Plus, a decluttered home looks better in photographs.

While decluttering is essential, professional staging is not. Decluttering opens up the room, and staging tends to present a single idea. Depending on the marketplace, an empty room allows the Buyer to build their own dream.

Letting emotions drive decisions

Selling a home and moving can be one of the most stressful life events. There is a lot of emotion involved, especially if you’re selling a family home. As difficult as it may be, Sellers need to avoid letting their emotions drive their decisions. I counsel Sellers to focus on where they are going instead of what they are leaving behind. Understanding this before the house goes on the market and being able to step back and recognize those emotions will help when it comes time to make decisions.

Not hiring a professional

All the mistakes above can be avoided if you hire a professional REALTOR who knows what they are doing. You want someone who will coach and guide you through the process.