5 Costly Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Home
Thinking of selling your home?
You’ve probably already asked yourself the big question: What’s it worth?
But here’s an even better one: What will it actually sell for?
The truth is, how much you walk away with doesn’t just depend on your home’s condition or what your neighbor’s house sold for. It depends on the decisions you make before your home ever hits the market. And according to new research from Zillow, a lot of sellers are still getting some of the basics wrong.
Here are five of the most common seller mistakes—and what to do instead.
1. Spending too much on the wrong upgrades
We all want our homes to look their best before going on the market. But one of the biggest mistakes sellers make is assuming big projects equal big payoffs.
Nearly a quarter of sellers believe adding square footage is the best way to boost value. But in most cases, smaller updates—like fresh paint, new lighting, or some landscaping—go a lot further.
Before you start planning a major renovation, check in with your agent. We’ll help you figure out which updates will actually make a difference for buyers in your area.
2. Overlooking screen appeal
Yes, curb appeal still matters. But in 2025, your online listing is your home’s first impression.
Buyers are scrolling fast, and if your photos don’t stop them in their tracks, they’ll move on. Professional photos, wide-angle shots, video tours, and clean staging can be the difference between getting on a buyer’s showing list—or not.
Don’t underestimate the power of great visuals. In this market, screen appeal sells.
3. Choosing the wrong agent—or skipping the research
Selling a home is a big deal, but many sellers don’t do much digging before hiring an agent. In fact, 1 in 4 admit they didn’t check reviews, past sales, or even interview more than one person.
You deserve someone who understands your market, has a strong marketing strategy, and gives honest feedback about pricing and prep. This is one of the most important partnerships of the whole process—take your time and choose well.
4. Highlighting the wrong features
Lots of sellers assume things like open floor plans are what buyers want—but those homes actually tend to sell for less than expected.
What does add value? Natural finishes. Think white oak floors, walnut cabinetry, soapstone countertops. These details can boost your final sale price by as much as 3.5%, but only 9% of sellers know that.
Your agent should know what features are trending with buyers in your area—and make sure your listing description highlights them clearly.
5. Hiding known issues
Tempted to gloss over that small leak or lingering pest problem? More than half of homeowners admit they’ve considered it.
But inspections are thorough, and trying to hide problems nearly always backfires. Buyers lose trust, deals fall apart, and it ends up costing more in the long run.
It’s better to disclose what you know and let your agent guide you on how to price and position the home properly.
Final thoughts
Selling your home isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. The right preparation, the right marketing, and the right agent can make all the difference.
Sometimes the small details—like a fresh coat of paint or a great listing photo—can lead to big results. And with the right approach, you can avoid the common pitfalls and feel confident every step of the way.
Thinking about making a move? We’re here to help you get it right from the very beginning.