6 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want to Sell Your Home Quickly

Kat Brancato

In recent years, homes sold like hotcakes, but the market is shifting toward buyers—meaning homes now take longer to sell. To attract buyers and sell fast, sellers must avoid common pitfalls. We spoke with real estate experts to uncover the top mistakes to avoid for a quicker sale.

Overpricing Your Home

If you want to sell your home quickly, setting the price too high can backfire. Today’s buyers have access to detailed data on comparable sales and market trends, so if your home is even 10% higher than similar listings, they’ll likely see it as a poor value and move on. Overpriced homes tend to linger on the market, leading to repeated price cuts that can make buyers suspect something’s wrong with the property.

Choosing the Wrong Agent or Going Unprepared FSBO

Choosing the right agent is key to selling your home quickly and profitably. Inexperienced agents or unprepared for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers often struggle with pricing, marketing, and legal details. This usually leads to longer time on the market and a lower sale price—while an experienced professional knows how to price, market, and position your home to sell fast and for top dollar.

Using Low-Quality Photos

Skip the DIY photos—professional photography is a must. With fewer buyers and more competition, high-quality images, videos, and marketing visuals grab attention and drive interest. Remember, your first showing happens online, and great photos motivate buyers to see your home in person. Just be sure the photos accurately represent your property—overediting can make buyers feel misled.

Failing to Declutter

Too much clutter can make it hard for buyers to imagine themselves living in your home. Clear out personal items, family photos, and excess furniture to create a clean, open space that feels inviting. A neutral, decluttered home helps buyers see its full potential and leads to faster offers.

Not Disclosing All the Problems

Honesty is essential when selling your home. Trying to hide issues like a leaky roof or faulty HVAC system will almost always backfire, as inspectors will uncover them anyway. Once trust is broken, buyers may walk away or question what else you’re hiding. It’s always better to be upfront about problems from the start—transparency builds confidence and keeps the sale on track.

Limiting Showing Access

Restricting showing times or requiring too much notice can turn off serious buyers. The more accessible your home is, the faster it’s likely to sell. Stay flexible with scheduling and keep your home show-ready to attract motivated buyers.

If you’re thinking about selling and want expert guidance every step of the way,  call me at 678-744-8070.