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10 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling (And How to Avoid Them)

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions many homeowners will make. In Perth’s competitive property market, avoiding common pitfalls can mean the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful experience. Here are ten common mistakes sellers make and how to steer clear of them.

1. Overpricing the Property

Many sellers set their asking price too high, assuming they can negotiate down. However, in Perth’s market, an overpriced home can sit unsold for months, leading to price reductions that may ultimately deter buyers.

How to Avoid It: Work with a local estate agent to set a competitive price based on recent sales and market trends.

2. Neglecting Presentation and Staging

Buyers form first impressions quickly, and a poorly presented home can reduce interest. Cluttered spaces, outdated décor, and neglected maintenance can drive potential buyers away.

How to Avoid It: Declutter, deep clean, and consider professional staging. Small updates, like a fresh coat of paint or modern styling, can make a big impact.

3. Ignoring Kerb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. An unkempt garden, peeling paint, or a messy entrance can turn buyers off before they even step inside.

How to Avoid It: Ensure your front garden is tidy, repaint the front door if needed, and add some greenery to enhance the kerb appeal.

4. Choosing the Wrong Agent

Not all estate agents are equal. Some lack local market knowledge, have poor negotiation skills, or don’t invest in proper marketing.

How to Avoid It: Choose an experienced Perth-based agent with a strong sales record and a tailored marketing strategy for your property.

5. Poor Marketing Strategy

A "For Sale" sign alone won’t sell your home. Limited online presence, poor-quality photos, and lack of social media exposure can hinder your chances of attracting buyers.

How to Avoid It: Ensure your agent uses high-quality photos, virtual tours, targeted online ads, and social media marketing to reach more potential buyers.

6. Being Too Emotionally Attached

Selling a home can be emotional, especially if you’ve lived there for years. This attachment can lead to unrealistic expectations or resistance to feedback.

How to Avoid It: Treat the sale as a business transaction and trust your agent’s advice on pricing, offers, and buyer feedback.

7. Not Being Flexible with Home Opens

Restricting home open times can limit the number of interested buyers. Many Perth buyers have busy schedules and need flexibility.

How to Avoid It: Be open to weekend and after-hours inspections to accommodate potential buyers.

8. Hiding Major Issues

Some sellers try to cover up problems like leaks, structural issues, or pest infestations instead of addressing them upfront. This can backfire during inspections and lead to lost sales.

How to Avoid It: Conduct a pre-sale inspection and fix any major issues beforehand. Being transparent builds trust with buyers.

9. Accepting the First Offer Too Quickly

While a quick offer may seem ideal, jumping at the first bid without considering other potential buyers can mean leaving money on the table.

How to Avoid It: Assess all offers carefully with your agent, and be prepared to negotiate for the best possible outcome.

10. Not Being Ready for Settlement Delays

Buyers often rely on banks for financing, and unexpected delays can occur. If sellers aren’t prepared for flexibility, the process can become stressful.

How to Avoid It: Work with your agent and conveyancer to ensure a smooth settlement process and have contingency plans in place.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home in Perth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these common mistakes and working with experienced estate professionals, you can maximise your sale price and ensure a seamless selling process. Partner with Halyn Property today to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience from listing to settlement.