The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make and How to Avoid Them

Selling your home is a major milestone, and the decisions you make at the very beginning can shape your entire experience. Most sellers want two things: a smooth process and the best possible outcome. The good news is that both are absolutely achievable. The tricky part is avoiding the common mistakes that slow things down, create stress, or cost you money.

Here are the biggest missteps I see sellers make in the Olympia market and how to avoid them so your next chapter starts off strong.

Mistake 1: Overpricing the Home

This is the most common mistake and one of the most costly. Many sellers believe they should start high and leave “room to negotiate.” In reality, this usually backfires. A home that is priced too high sits longer, gets fewer showings, and ends up feeling stale in the eyes of buyers.

A stale listing often sells for less than if it had been priced correctly from day one.

How to avoid it:
Work with an agent who understands local market data and recent sales, and who will help you price with intention. The goal is to attract serious buyers right away, not chase them later.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Prep Work

Buyers decide how they feel about a home within seconds. Small repairs, cleaning, decluttering, and thoughtful styling make a huge difference. When prep work is skipped, buyers see your home as “work” instead of “wow.” That impression follows them all the way through the offer stage.

How to avoid it:
Invest time in preparation. This does not have to be overwhelming. Small updates, fresh paint, simple staging, and a clean space go a long way. I guide my sellers through a clear preparation plan so nothing gets missed.

Mistake 3: Using Poor Quality Photos or Video

Buyers shop online first. Your photos and video are their first impression, and low-quality visuals will cost you showings. Dark photos, cluttered rooms, and uneven angles can turn buyers away before they even walk through the door.

How to avoid it:
Use a professional photographer and video team. High-quality visuals highlight your home’s best features and help buyers fall in love from the screen to the showing.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Curb Appeal

Buyers often drive by a home before scheduling a showing. If the exterior feels neglected, they may never come inside.

How to avoid it:
Focus on simple curb appeal wins. Fresh bark, trimmed plants, a swept entry, and a tidy porch create a welcoming first impression. It sets the tone before buyers ever step inside.

Mistake 5: Being Emotional About Negotiations

Your home carries memories, meaning, and a story. That emotional connection is real. But it can lead sellers to take feedback personally or react strongly to offers that feel too low.

How to avoid it:
Separate the home you lived in from the house you are selling. Lean on your agent for strategy and perspective. I walk sellers through each offer with facts, clear explanations, and a focus on your goals.

Mistake 6: Not Making the Home Easy to Show

If buyers cannot see your home easily, they will move on to one they can. Limited showing times or last-minute cancellations often result in missed opportunities.

How to avoid it:
Stay flexible with your showing schedule. The more accessible your home is, the more chances you have to attract the right buyer.

Mistake 7: Choosing the Wrong Agent

Your agent sets the tone for your entire experience. When sellers choose someone who is not familiar with the local market or who lacks a strong marketing plan, the process becomes harder than it needs to be.

How to avoid it:
Work with someone who understands the Olympia market, communicates clearly, and offers a personalized, strategic plan. A strong partnership makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home does not have to feel stressful or complicated. With the right preparation, thoughtful marketing, and steady guidance, you can avoid these common mistakes and feel confident every step of the way.

If you are thinking about selling or want a personalized plan for your home, I am here to help make the process feel simple, supported, and successful.

Ready to begin your selling journey? Let’s chat.