5 Seller Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

Thinking About Selling? Here Are 5 Common Mistakes (and What to Do Instead)

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’ve probably already asked yourself the big question: “What’s it worth?”

But here’s the better question: “What will it actually sell for?”

Because the truth is, how much you walk away with doesn’t just come down to your home’s condition or what your neighbor’s place sold for. It depends on the choices you make before your home ever hits the market. And according to a new study from Zillow, a lot of sellers are still missing the mark on a few basics.

Here are 5 of the most common mistakes I see—and what I recommend doing instead:

Number 1-Spending Too Much on the Wrong Things

I totally get it—you want your home to shine before it hits the market. But nearly a quarter of sellers think adding square footage or doing major renovations is the best way to boost value.

In most cases? It’s not.

You’re better off focusing on smaller, high-impact projects: a fresh coat of paint, updated landscaping, decluttering, and great lighting. These go a long way with buyers and don’t require a massive budget.

Before you start swinging a hammer, call your agent (me!). I’ll help you focus on the updates that actually move the needle in your market.

Number 2-Underestimating Screen Appeal

Curb appeal still matters, but let’s be real—buyers are swiping through homes on their phones before they ever drive by. First impressions are happening online, not from the street.

So if your listing photos aren’t stopping the scroll, you’re missing out.

Professional photos, videos, drone shots, and 3D tours aren’t a luxury anymore—they’re the standard. A solid media package helps your home stand out in a crowded market. Don’t cut corners here. This is where buyers fall in love.

Number 3-Not Doing Your Homework When Choosing an Agent

This one always surprises me—about 1 in 4 sellers don’t read reviews or interview more than one agent. And honestly, that’s a big deal.

Selling your home is a major transaction. You want someone who’s experienced, honest, and knows how to market your home—especially online. You need someone who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.

Look at past results. Check their digital presence. And ask questions. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process.

Number 4- Highlighting the Wrong Features

A lot of sellers assume buyers want the same things they do—like an open floor plan. But data shows that homes with open layouts don’t necessarily sell for more.

What does? Natural finishes. Things like white oak floors, walnut cabinets, or soapstone counters. Yet only 9% of sellers even think to highlight those.

It’s not just about what your home has—it’s about how you talk about it. A good agent will know exactly what to spotlight in your listing description to attract the right buyer.

Num ber 5-Trying to Hide Issues

This one’s tough—but it’s important. Over half of sellers think hiding problems (like water damage or termites) might help them sell faster.

But not only is that risky and often illegal—it usually backfires.

Inspections happen. And once trust is broken, it’s hard to repair. Being upfront about known issues gives you the chance to price and position the home accordingly, and it helps keep your deal from falling apart down the line.

Bottom Line

Selling a home isn’t just about timing or luck—it’s about being prepared, knowing your market, and making smart, strategic choices from the start.

Even small changes—like the right paint color, better listing photos, or highlighting the right features—can make a big difference in your final sale price.

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s talk. I’d love to help you avoid the common pitfalls and make sure your home stands out for all the right reasons. Book a call with me here: https://book.bookwithshell.com/widget/bookings/intro-call-with-shell