How to Avoid The Top 10 Mistakes That Prevent Home Sales
Avoid This Mistakes when Selling Your Home
Selling a home can be challenging. Between navigating all of the decisions that need to be made, identifying and managing all of the people that need to be involved, experiencing conflicting emotions around the sale of the home, carving out the time to make the house ready and keep it that way, not to mention the substantial financial pressures, can all add up to a pressure cooker of a situation that leaves homeowners feeling overwhelmed, confused, and often making avoidable mistakes. The process can be stressful in the best of circumstances, and it often becomes especially stressful if it's a parent’s, friend’s, or loved one’s home that you are charged with selling. Whether you're selling a home for the first time or have sold multiple homes, knowing what to avoid can help speed up the sale and get you the best price. Let’s take a look at some common mistakes that home sellers make and how to steer clear of them.
1. Overpricing Your Home
This is the top reason homes don't sell. Buyers will likely ignore your home if you list it at an unrealistic price. While you may want to see if someone "bites" at a higher price, that strategy rarely works. The real estate market in Kansas City and surrounding areas like Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Liberty, Overland Park, and Blue Springs is dictated by comparable homes. Overpricing can cost you potential buyers in the crucial early days of your listing when you will get the most attention from buyers on your home.
Pricing your home competitively, based on market trends and comparable properties, ensures that serious buyers take an interest. Waiting too long to adjust the price could result in significant losses, especially in a declining market.
2. Limited Showing Availability
If potential buyers can’t readily and quickly schedule a time to get into your home for a viewing, your chances of selling drop dramatically. It’s important to make your home available for showings at various times, even if it’s inconvenient. Restricting showings to narrow windows, such as only weekends, can cause you to miss out on serious buyers. Being flexible with your schedule will translate into your home having a better chance of being seen by the right buyer. If you don't have the time or flexibility to show the house, you might consider selling your house as it is. This gives you the flexibility to sell the house on your own terms and not have to worry about repairs or cleaning up or clearing out any of the other stuff inside of it. Click here to see your options.
3. Clutter and Personalization
A cluttered or overly personalized home makes it harder for buyers to envision themselves living there. Depersonalizing your space by removing excessive family photos or collections allows buyers to imagine their belongings in your home. This is especially important in competitive markets like Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, or Blue Springs, where homes that feel more like a blank canvas tend to sell faster. Don’t let your personal items distract from the potential of the space, however staging your home in the right way can help people better imagine themselves living in the home. It is a delicate balance between clutter and simplification with basic staging. Read our article on the art of decluttering before selling your home.
4. Unpleasant Odors
One of the fastest ways to turn off potential buyers is through having a house that has strong or unpleasant odors—whether it’s from pets, smoke, or strong cooking odors. Buyers may be concerned that the odor will linger, even after they move in. Freshen up your home by cleaning carpets, airing out rooms, and addressing any sources of strong smells. If necessary, consider painting and replacing carpets to ensure the space smells fresh and appealing to potential buyers.
5. Neglecting Repairs
Even small repairs can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. While it might seem like a hassle to fix a leaky faucet or patch up minor wall damage, leaving these issues unresolved could shrink your pool of buyers. Many buyers prefer move-in-ready homes, so taking care of these repairs ahead of time will make your home more appealing across Kansas City and the Lee’s Summit area. Offering a credit at closing isn’t always as effective as simply addressing the problem before listing the property.
6. Unwillingness to Negotiate
Selling a home often involves negotiations—not just on price, but also on closing dates, repairs, and included fixtures. Sellers who refuse to budge on key points may find themselves missing out on serious offers. Flexibility is key when trying to sell in a competitive market such as Liberty, Raytown, or Independence. Even if the initial offer is lower than expected, consider all terms before making a decision.
7. Poor Photos in the Listing
Most homebuyers in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Overland Park, and surrounding areas start their search online, meaning your listing photos are often the first impression. Low-quality or insufficient photos can cause buyers to scroll right past your home. Investing in professional photography is essential in showcasing your home in the best light. Make sure your agent takes high-quality, well-lit photos that highlight your home’s best features. First impressions matter, and great photos can help attract more showings.
8. Messy Home
First impressions are important! A messy or unclean home can be a major turnoff to potential buyers. While it might seem minor, clutter and mess can make rooms feel smaller and distract buyers from the property’s true potential. Before any showings, take a few minutes to tidy up. This simple effort can significantly improve how buyers perceive your home. A well-kept home conveys a sense of pride and suggests that the home has been well cared for, which can increase buyer confidence and interest.
9. Staying During Showings
While you might want to be there to point out all the great features of your home, it’s best to leave showings to the professionals. Buyers feel more comfortable when they can freely explore the property without the seller present. Your presence could make them uncomfortable or prevent them from asking their agent important questions or have open discussions that are needed in order to make such a big decision. Give buyers space so they can imagine themselves living in your home, whether they’re touring in Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, or Raytown.
10. Choosing the Wrong Agent
Choosing an experienced real estate agent is critical. A friend or relative who is new to the business may not have the experience necessary to market your home effectively. It’s worth interviewing multiple agents to find someone with a strong track record of selling homes in your area. Look for an agent who has a solid marketing strategy, experience in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, and a deep understanding of the local market. An agent that understands the importance of listing with professional photos, staging the home appropriately, and is ready and poised to give honest feedback can make or break your journey as a seller.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll improve your chances of selling your home quickly and for the best possible price, whether you’re in Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Raytown, Independence, or anywhere in the Kansas City metro. Family Shepherd can introduce you to agents that we trust, or give you an option to sell your house as-is in any condition. Click
here to get access to more resources to help sell your house with more confidence and less stress.
