5 Expensive Mistakes First-Time Home Sellers Always Make

As far as real estate milestones go, buying your first home is at the top of the list. Next up? Selling your home for the first time. It’s a complex process, and even with the help of a trusted real estate agent, mistakes can—and will likely—be made. “Sellers of all experience types make mistakes, because it’s not something they do often,” explains Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO & Broker at ECHO Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

There are a few common missteps first-timers are prone to making, according to the pros, and they can affect your bottom line. Here, real estate professionals share some of the most expensive mistakes sellers make.

Setting a Price That’s too High

There’s one no-no that many agents consider to be the most frequent: Listing your house for a price that’s far too high. In fact, the mistakes first-time sellers make are almost always emotional ones, explains Shaun Osher, CEO of CORE Real Estate in New York City. “Your home holds memories—it could be where you raised your children, started a new job, or was your safe haven in a new city,” he says. “While these things are beautiful and important, they don’t translate to market value.”

In other words, just because your home is incredibly special to you, it doesn’t mean it deserves a higher sticker price. “Overpricing a property because of emotional attachment or unrealistic expectations can be detrimental to a sale because the longer a listing lingers, the more stale it becomes,” Osher adds. “And in real estate, time is the enemy of value.”

The longer a property sits on the market, the more likely it will require price reductions. Ken Dara, a private office advisor with Engel & Völkers in Sausalito, California, explains that this could result in a lower final sale price than if it had been priced accurately from the beginning. 

Failing to Neutralize the House

There’s a reason Realtors, home stagers, and other home industry pros sing the praises of decluttering. Getting rid of your stuff—and transforming your home into a neutral space—is key to a quick and successful sale. Ideally, potential buyers should be able to envision themselves in your home, which isn’t always possible with your creative interior design choices or personal items on display. 

“Many buyers can’t see past orange walls, very unique and personal accessories, and furniture,” says Colleen Covell, an agent with Milehimodern and the Denver Metro Association of Realtors market trends committee member. “Make sure to present the home so the buyer can picture themselves in it, not you.”

Neglecting Screen Appeal

You’ve probably heard of curb appeal, or how attractive a home looks when viewed from the street. But sellers should also be prioritizing screen appeal. Digital photos are a buyer’s first look at a property, and they’re incredibly important; never underestimate the power of online presentation.

“Buyers shop with their eyes first,” explains Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert. “Zillow data shows listings with high-res photos, 3D tours, and interactive floor plans sell for 2% more—a boost of more than $9,000 for the typical home.”

Your real estate agent probably has hiring a photographer covered. Your responsibility includes making small cosmetic fixes so the photos can shine. And beyond fixes and decluttering, home staging can also boost screen appeal.

“Home staging, either virtually or with minor adjustments, can help buyers emotionally connect with the property,” says Kate Terrigno, a Realtor with Corcoran HM Properties in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Additionally, small things like simple landscaping, paint touch-ups, and exterior cleaning can make a big impact out of the gate. First impressions matter most.” A neglected interior or exterior can reduce foot traffic and the perceived value of the property.

Skipping Agent Research

It’s important to work with a real estate agent who is an expert in your local market. This kind of knowledge and experience can net you a higher sale price. “Not all agents are created equal,” says Casey Gaddy, a Realtor with the Gaddy Group, Keller Williams Empower. “Sellers sometimes hire based on friendship, not skill set, and that can backfire.”

According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2024, 81% of sellers picked the first agent they called. “You should look for someone with strong local experience, a sharp marketing plan, and a track record of negotiation—especially in your neighborhood,” Gaddy adds. “An agent should clearly articulate the value they bring to the table.”

Another tip? Don’t be shy. Negotiate fees with your agent. “It gives you insight into how they will act on your behalf,” he says.

Not Getting Rid of Smells

This is an overlooked (yet critically important) part of selling your house. Neutralizing your home applies to odors, too, Covell says. 

Oftentimes, sellers aren’t aware of the way their home smells to outsiders. If you can, ask a friend to do a walkthrough and tell you if anything makes their nose perk up. Agents say it’s worth investing in an air purifier to run ahead of showings and open houses.