5 BIG Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home (Most Sellers Do #3!)

Thinking about selling your home? Before you put up the “For Sale” sign, there are a few things you really need to know.

Too many Minnesota (and Western Wisconsin!) homeowners make small mistakes that lead to lost time, lowball offers, and way more stress than necessary. And mistake #3? It's the one most sellers don’t even realize they’re making—until it’s too late.

In this post, we’re breaking down the five biggest mistakes sellers make—and how to avoid them like a pro so you can sell faster, smoother, and for top dollar.

🏠 Mistake #1: Overpricing Your Home

We get it—your home is full of memories, upgrades, and love. But pricing based on emotion or hope is the fastest way to lose momentum.

What happens when you overprice?

• You miss the critical first 7–10 days when buyer interest is highest

• Your home sits longer on the market, and buyers wonder what’s wrong

• You may end up dropping the price later (and netting less overall)

How to avoid it:
Work with a real estate expert who knows your local market, understands buyer psychology, and will help you price your home strategically—not emotionally.

🛑 Mistake #2: Rushing the Process

You’re ready to move—but rushing into listing without preparation can cost you big. Skipping small improvements, rushing photos, or listing during a holiday weekend without a game plan are all mistakes that slow down your sale.

How to avoid it:
Give yourself a couple of weeks to prep your home. Declutter, deep clean, touch up paint, and work with a team that can help you build a pre-launch strategy that gets attention fast.

😬 Mistake #3: Using Bad (or No) Photos

Here’s the big one—and yes, most sellers make this mistake without realizing how much it hurts them.

In today’s digital-first world, your photos ARE your first showing. If they’re dark, blurry, outdated, or missing entirely? Buyers scroll right past.

How to avoid it:
Always use a professional real estate photographer—and never settle for smartphone pics. Your listing should look like it belongs in a magazine.

🚪 Mistake #4: Making It Hard to Show

We know showings can feel like an inconvenience, especially if you have pets, kids, or work from home. But limited showing availability = fewer buyers through the door = fewer offers.

How to avoid it:
Be flexible and make your home as easy to show as possible, especially in the first 10–14 days. That’s when serious buyers are most active. Bonus points for leaving the lights on and creating a welcoming vibe!

🧠 Mistake #5: Listing Without a Real Strategy

Putting your home on the MLS is not a strategy. If your agent isn’t helping you plan out:

• Marketing materials

• Targeted online exposure

• Buyer psychology

• Local pricing trends
  …then you’re leaving money on the table.

How to avoid it:
Use a proven listing strategy that helps your home stand out online and in person. The right approach can mean the difference between one offer and five—and more money in your pocket at the closing table.

---

📥 Want to Sell Like a Pro? Grab Our Ultimate Home Selling Checklist

Before you list, download the exact process we follow for every home we sell. It’s the blueprint our clients use to sell faster and for more money—with less stress.

👉 Download the Ultimate Home Selling Checklist here

💬 Let’s Get Your Home Sold

📧 Moving in MN or WI? Let’s chat: Start here
👍 Like this post if you want more smart home selling tips
💬 Comment below with your questions—we’d love to help
📢 Subscribe & hit the bell 🔔 to stay in the loop on everything real estate

Bottom line: Avoiding these five common mistakes can help your home sell faster, for more money, and with fewer headaches. And if you're ready to get it right from day one—we're here to help. 💼🏡