Insights
Author:
Onsite Real Estate
Date:
05/13/25

Top 5 Mistakes Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Selling your home is a big milestone—and one of the most financially significant decisions you'll make. But too often, sellers unknowingly sabotage their own success by making preventable mistakes. Whether it's pricing too high, skipping professional photos, or failing to make basic repairs, these errors can lead to longer market times, lower offers, or deals falling through. At Onsite Real Estate Group, we help homeowners across East Pierce County avoid these pitfalls and sell with confidence. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to stay ahead.

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Overpricing the Home

Setting the right asking price is critical. Many sellers assume that listing high gives them room to negotiate—but in reality, it often backfires. Homes priced above market value tend to sit longer, get fewer showings, and eventually require price reductions that make buyers wonder what’s wrong. In active markets like Bonney Lake and Sumner, buyers are savvy and have options. A competitive, data-driven price from day one can attract more serious interest and result in multiple offers.

Pricing Stats

  • 60% of overpriced homes in Pierce County take twice as long to sell.
  • Homes priced accurately from the start receive 3x more showings in the first week.
  • Listings that undergo price reductions sell for an average of 6% less than homes priced correctly upfront.

Neglecting Repairs or Maintenance

Even small issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or worn flooring can signal bigger problems to buyers. First impressions matter, and a home that feels neglected can drive down perceived value. Before listing, take care of deferred maintenance and consider small upgrades that improve appeal. A pre-listing walkthrough with your agent can help prioritize the most impactful improvements.

Poor Listing Photos

In today’s digital-first real estate market, your online presence is your first showing. Low-quality, dark, or cluttered photos can instantly turn buyers away—regardless of how great your home is in person. Investing in professional photography helps highlight your home’s strengths and increases engagement. In fact, homes with high-quality images consistently get more clicks, more showings, and higher offers.

Ignoring Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home sets the tone before buyers even step inside. Untrimmed landscaping, dirty siding, or a faded front door can create a negative first impression. Curb appeal doesn’t have to mean a full makeover—even simple fixes like mulching flower beds, power washing the driveway, and adding fresh house numbers can make a big difference.

Trying to Sell Without Expert Help

Some sellers attempt to go the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route to save on commission, but this often leads to pricing errors, missed marketing opportunities, and difficult negotiations. A trusted local real estate agent brings market knowledge, staging tips, negotiation skills, and marketing reach that most sellers simply can’t replicate. At Onsite Real Estate Group, we guide you every step of the way—so you can sell faster, smarter, and with less stress.

Need Help? Let’s Get Started

Selling a home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right strategy and guidance, you can avoid common mistakes and move forward with confidence. At Onsite Real Estate Group, we’ve helped hundreds of East Pierce County homeowners prepare, price, and present their homes for maximum return. From professional photography to market analysis and contract negotiation—we handle the details so you don’t have to. Ready to list smart? Let’s talk.

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