Top 5 Mistakes Home Sellers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but avoiding common mistakes makes a huge difference. Realtor Katie Roberts shares the top five mistakes Ohio sellers make — and how to steer clear for a smoother, more profitable sale.

Selling your home is a major milestone — while exciting, it's easy to make mistakes that cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

As a trusted Realtor serving Centerville, Dayton, and surrounding Ohio areas, Katie Roberts has seen it all. Here's her expert guidance on what to avoid and how to ensure a smooth, profitable sale.


Mistake 1: Overpricing the Home

The biggest pitfall for sellers? Pricing too high.

While it's tempting to "test the market," an overpriced home will:

  • Sit longer on the market
  • Get fewer showings and offers
  • Often sell for less in the end

Katie helps her sellers set competitive prices from day one, using local market data and proven strategies to attract serious buyers.


Mistake 2: Skipping Repairs and Prep Work

Buyers are quick to spot issues like:

  • Peeling paint
  • Dripping faucets
  • Dirty carpets

Neglecting these minor repairs suggests poor maintenance — leading to lower offers. Katie provides comprehensive prep checklists and connects sellers with reliable local contractors for cost-effective fixes.


Mistake 3: Using Bad (or No) Photography

In today's digital age, photos are everything.

Poor-quality or cluttered photos deter buyers before they even consider a showing. Katie ensures her listings stand out by investing in professional photography and expert staging guidance.


Mistake 4: Being Emotionally Attached

It's natural to love your home — but emotional attachment can:

  • Make you reject fair offers
  • Lead to overpricing
  • Cause unnecessary stress during negotiations

Katie helps her sellers maintain perspective on the bigger goal and approach offers objectively.


Mistake 5: Trying to Sell Without an Agent

Some sellers believe they'll save money by going solo — but FSBO (For Sale By Owner) typically results in:

  • Limited marketing exposure
  • Reduced negotiating power
  • Legal and paperwork complications

Katie's expertise, network, and market knowledge help her clients sell faster, more smoothly, and often for more money.


Ready for a Smart, Smooth Sale? Let's Talk.

You don't need to face the selling process alone — or risk making these common mistakes.

Reach out to Katie Roberts today for a no-pressure conversation about your home sale. She'll help you sidestep costly mistakes, develop a tailored selling strategy, and guide you confidently toward a successful closing.

Selling your home should be exciting — let's ensure it's strategic and stress-free too.