Selling your home is a big deal, both emotionally and financially. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, the selling process can be stressful, and you need to prepare yourself for this.

Many sellers fall into the same avoidable traps, costing them money, time, effort, and peace of mind. To help you navigate through the process smoothly, here are 5 common mistakes to avoid when selling your home:

1. Overpricing the property

It’s natural to want the highest price for your home, but pricing it too high can scare off potential buyers. The best way to find out a realistic price is to consider how much you paid for it, how much you’ve invested, and assess how the market is performing. If it’s trending upwards, you may see a profit; if it’s going down, it will be more challenging, but you’ll still want to recover your costs.

A good tip is to check realestate.co.nz and look at recent sales in your area. If the sale price isn’t published yet, you can ask local real estate agents or, better still, approach the neighbours. It might feel awkward, but a polite question like, “Hi, I’m your neighbour, and I see you sold your beautiful house. We’re thinking of selling too, would you mind telling me how much you sold for?” will often yield the information you need. Do your homework, compare similar houses in your area, ask questions, and be realistic about what you can expect for your home.

2. Neglecting presentation 

First impressions are everything. It only takes 10 seconds for someone to form an opinion when they enter your home. This is known as the ‘moment of truth’. It’s crucial that your home is clean, organised, and looks its best.

So, declutter, deep clean, and consider staging. While I’m not a fan of staging (it can be an avoidable cost), if it helps, it’s worth considering. Corban+Dallas offers services like house washing, landscaping, decluttering, and rubbish removal. Don’t underestimate how much this can help in the selling process! 

3. Skipping repairs or hiding problems

Trying to hide issues like leaky taps, cracked walls, dodgy wiring, windows that don’t shut properly, or creaky doors can backfire. It’s unprofessional and unethical (If that matters to you) and can lead to delays in negotiations or even cancelled contracts.

Always, fix what you can, especially the obvious problems. If something’s beyond your budget or you simply don’t want to deal with it, be upfront with potential buyers. Honesty goes a long way: “This door is a bit tricky to close, and I’ll leave it for the next owner to fix.” It shows integrity and professionalism.

4. Being emotionally attached

It’s natural to feel sentimental about your home, especially if it’s filled with memories. But remember, it’s just a house. You’re likely moving on to something better, so focus on the next chapter. While it’s tough, treat it as a business transaction. Yes, it’s worth more than a fridge or car, but in principle, it’s the same.

The best way to go about it is to approach it as a normal business deal, focus on your goals, and stay open-minded. It’s time to move on. Trust me, it’s often harder to rent out rooms in your own house than to sell it, because you’re not emotionally attached to the buyer when selling.

5. Choosing the wrong agent or trying to sell on your own

Not all agents are created equal. A good real estate agent does more than just list your property. They help with pricing, marketing, negotiating, and guiding you through the entire process. Yes, they can be expensive, but if you can afford them, they’re worth the investment.

However, Corban+Dallas offers a smarter, commission-free model. You maintain full control over the sale, while we provide all the necessary services: marketing, sale signs, advertising, organising the auction, and guiding you through negotiations. You stand firm and say, “I want the full value for my home; I’m not here to fund anyone else’s lifestyle.”

So, do your research. Choose an agent with a proven track record, or even better, choose Corban+Dallas. Let them handle the marketing, signs, ads, and auction organisation, while you pocket the full sale price.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Yes, it’s a significant amount of money and doesn’t happen every day. I understand the stress, especially if you have to sell. But if you prepare and treat it as a normal transaction, you’ll be just fine.

Avoid these common mistakes, get a good lawyer (That’s the subject of my next blog), prepare your home, present it well, and sell it. It’s a time of joy and excitement. After all, you’re likely moving on to a new chapter in your life. Maybe a fresh start, or even a new partner? Whatever it is, embrace the change!