Love at First Listing?

Not With These 3 Seller Mistakes

Selling your home should be like the perfect first date—exciting, full of promise, and ending with a great connection (aka a sold sign in the yard). But for some sellers, it’s turning into a disaster—buyers ghosting them, deals fizzling out, and that once-promising match (ahem, offer) vanishing into thin air.

Why? Because some sellers haven’t adjusted to today’s market. They’re not factoring in that buyers have more options and tighter budgets. And just like a bad date, these missteps are turning buyers off fast.

Here are the top three ways sellers are sabotaging their sale—plus how working with the right real estate agent can help you avoid a heartbreak.

1. Pricing Your Home Like You’re Out of Its League

Ever been on a date where someone talked themselves up a little too much? Buyers can spot an overpriced home the same way you can spot someone inflating their dating profile. And just like a date that brags too hard, an overpriced listing turns people off before they even give it a chance.

According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree that setting the right price is the #1 struggle for sellers right now.

If your home is priced too high, buyers won’t just “make an offer anyway”—they’ll swipe left and move on. And if your house sits on the market too long? That’s like getting stood up—awkward and frustrating. Instead, trust your agent to help you price it right from day one. First impressions matter in real estate just as much as they do in dating.

2. Skipping the Pre-Date Prep (a.k.a. Neglecting Repairs)

Showing up to a date looking like you just rolled out of bed? Not a great move. The same goes for trying to sell a home with obvious maintenance issues. That leaky faucet or squeaky door might not bother you, but to buyers, those little red flags scream bigger hidden problems.

As Investopedia puts it:

“Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain . . . Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all.”

The fix? Give your home a little TLC before you put it on the market. A few small upgrades can make a huge difference—just like a little effort goes a long way when getting ready for a big night out.

3. Playing Hard to Get (a.k.a. Refusing to Negotiate)

Ever been on a date where the other person refused to compromise on anything? Exhausting, right? That’s exactly how buyers feel when a seller won’t budge on price, repairs, or closing cost requests.

Buyers today are dealing with higher home prices and mortgage rates, so they’re being extra careful with their offers. If they come in a little lower than you hoped, don’t take it personally—remember, they’re just trying to make it work. A little back-and-forth negotiation can go a long way toward sealing the deal.

As U.S. News Real Estate explains:

“The only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits.”

Your agent is like your trusted friend texting you advice during a date—helping you navigate negotiations without letting emotions get in the way.

The Biggest Deal Breaker? Trying to Sell Without an Agent

If these missteps sound familiar, here’s the good news: every single one is avoidable if you have the right agent by your side. Trying to sell your home solo is like going into a blind date without even checking their profile—it’s risky, and the odds of a smooth experience aren’t in your favor.

Bottom Line

Don’t let your home sale turn into a bad breakup. The right strategy (and the right agent) can help you avoid these mistakes and get your home sold without the drama. Let’s connect—because selling your home should feel like happily ever after, not getting ghosted.

Photo Credit | Julia Jones -Adobe Stock