Avoid These Common Home Selling Mistakes to Save Big

Selling your home is a big deal. Whether you're moving up, downsizing, or heading to a new city, it can be emotional and overwhelming. But one thing's for sure — common home selling mistakes can cost you money, time, and peace of mind. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

As a local REALTOR® helping sellers in Southern NH, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top mistakes homeowners make and how you can avoid them. Along the way, I’ll share some real estate tips, insights about Londonderry houses for sale, and why understanding Southern NH houses for sale gives you a leg up.

Let’s dive in and make your home sale a success!

1. Pricing Too High From the Start

This one’s a biggie. Setting the price too high is one of the most common home selling mistakes.

You may think your home is worth more because of memories or upgrades. That’s understandable — it's your home. But buyers won’t pay extra just because you love it. If your home is overpriced, it might sit too long. Then, people start asking, "What’s wrong with it?"

💡 How to Prevent It:

• Trust your REALTOR® to do a full market analysis.

• Compare your home with others like it.

• Look at homes recently sold in Londonderry and Southern NH.

• Price it to attract attention and offers quickly.

2. Skipping the Deep Clean

A dirty home is a turnoff. It makes buyers think you didn’t take care of the place. This mistake is so simple to avoid but gets overlooked often.

Even if you're clean, buyers notice the small stuff — dusty vents, baseboards, or pet smells. First impressions matter!

🧼 Avoid the Mess:

• Hire a professional cleaner before listing.

• Tidy up daily while your house is on the market.

• Don’t forget to freshen up closets, basements, and garages too.

3. Using Bad Photos (or Not Enough!)

Photos are your home’s first handshake online. If the lighting is bad, the angles are off, or there are only a few photos, you’re missing out on buyers.

Most people shop for homes online first. If your photos don’t pop, they’ll scroll right past your listing.

📷 Photo Pro Tips:

• Use a pro photographer who knows real estate.

• Include every room, inside and out.

• Capture sunny, clutter-free shots.

• Highlight the best parts of your home — especially outdoor areas if you’re selling in spring or summer.

4. Not Fixing What’s Broken

Buyers are picky — and they should be! If your home has broken lights, leaky faucets, or squeaky doors, it sends up red flags.

Even small fixes matter. They make your home feel well-loved and move-in ready.

🛠 How to Fix This Mistake:

• Walk through your home with fresh eyes.

• Make a list of little things to repair.

• Consider a pre-listing inspection so there are no surprises later.

• Small repairs now can save you big later during negotiations.

5. Ignoring Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is just as important as the inside. Overgrown bushes, chipped paint, or a messy yard can turn off buyers before they step inside.

Homes in Londonderry and across Southern NH with clean, bright yards and nice entryways tend to get more traffic — and better offers.

🌻 Boost Your Curb Appeal:

• Mow the lawn and trim shrubs.

• Paint the front door and replace old house numbers.

• Add a pot of flowers or a new welcome mat.

6. Staying Home During Showings

This is one of the more awkward common home selling mistakes. As much as you want to tell buyers about all the updates, it’s best to leave the house during showings.

When sellers are home, buyers feel rushed or uncomfortable. They can’t picture themselves living there.

🚗 Make Showings Smooth:

• Plan to be out of the house during open houses and showings.

• Take pets with you, too.

• Trust your REALTOR® to show the home and answer questions.

7. Taking the First Offer Too Quickly

Getting an offer fast is exciting. But jumping at the first one without thinking can be a mistake — especially if you’re in a hot market like Southern NH.

You may have more leverage than you think.

💼 Be Smart With Offers:

• Review all the terms, not just the price.

• Look at the buyer’s financing, timeline, and requests.

• Talk it through with your agent — don’t rush unless it makes sense.

8. Hiding Problems From Buyers

Trying to cover up problems never works. If there’s water damage, mold, or an old roof, it’s better to disclose it up front.

If a buyer finds out later, it can ruin the deal or lead to legal trouble.

🔍 Be Honest:

• Share known issues on the disclosure form.

• Get ahead of repairs or offer a credit.

• Honesty builds trust and makes the sale smoother.

9. Not Staging Your Home

Staging isn’t just for fancy houses. Even small changes in furniture and layout can make your home feel bigger and more welcoming.

Homes that are staged tend to sell faster — and often for more money.

🛋 Easy Staging Tips:

• Remove personal photos and clutter.

• Add throw pillows or new towels for color.

• Set the dining table — buyers love seeing a space ready to entertain.

10. Waiting Too Long to List

Many sellers think they should wait for the “perfect” time. But that time might never come.

Right now, there’s strong buyer demand in places like Londonderry and throughout Southern NH. And with low inventory, well-priced homes are moving fast.

⏰ Don’t Miss Out:

• Talk with a local REALTOR® about timing.

• Prep your home and list when buyer interest is high.

• Avoid waiting too long and missing the right buyer.

BONUS: Thinking You Can Do It Alone

Selling a home without an agent might seem like a good way to save money. But in reality, you could leave money on the table or run into legal headaches.

Real estate agents know the market. They help you price right, market smart, and negotiate strong.

🏡 Why a REALTOR® Helps:

• We know what Londonderry houses for sale are going for.

• We understand the ins and outs of Southern NH houses for sale.

• We’ll help you avoid common home selling mistakes that cost others big time.

Let’s Make Your Sale Simple & Stress-Free

Selling your home should feel exciting — not stressful. And when you avoid these common home selling mistakes, you’re on your way to a smoother, more profitable sale.

Whether you're listing in Londonderry or looking to sell anywhere in Southern NH, I’m here to help guide you through it all.

From pricing your home right to avoiding pitfalls along the way, you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re curious about what your home is worth or just want to chat about your options, let’s connect. We’ll look at what homes are selling for in your area and come up with a plan that fits your goals.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're thinking about selling your home, now’s a great time. There are buyers looking for homes just like yours — especially in towns like Londonderry where inventory is still low.

Let’s make sure your listing stands out and avoids all those costly mistakes. Reach out today, and we’ll start with a free home value estimate.

If you need more info on common home selling mistakes, or are ready to sell your house give us a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also sign up for your dream home search or reach out to Our Agents for more information. We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.