Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Preparing to Sell (And How to Avoid Them)

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make—and how well you prepare can dramatically impact your timeline and final sale price. While many sellers focus on the basics, there are common (and costly) missteps that can make a home sit on the market longer than necessary or sell for less than it could have. Here are the top five mistakes homeowners make when preparing to sell—and how to avoid them.

1. Neglecting Minor Repairs and Cosmetic Updates

Why It Matters: Buyers notice everything. That leaky faucet, chipped paint, or squeaky door may seem minor, but they create a perception that the home hasn’t been well maintained. Buyers often assume small issues are the tip of the iceberg.

What to Do Instead: Invest a little time and money into fixing anything visibly worn or broken. This includes:

• Repainting scuffed or outdated walls with neutral tones.

• Repairing caulk and grout in kitchens and bathrooms.

• Replacing burned-out bulbs and fixing squeaky hinges.

• Refreshing outdated hardware or light fixtures.

Pro Tip: Even small updates—like replacing old cabinet pulls—can modernize a room and increase perceived value.

2. Overlooking Curb Appeal

Why It Matters: First impressions happen before buyers walk through the front door. A neglected lawn or dirty siding can turn off potential buyers before they ever see your home's interior.

What to Do Instead: Spend a weekend improving your home's curb appeal. This includes:

• Power washing the home’s exterior, sidewalk, and driveway.

• Adding fresh mulch or decorative rock around plants.

• Pruning trees and bushes and mowing the lawn.

• Painting or replacing the front door and cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures.

Pro Tip: At FreshLook Home Solutions, we offer one-time curb appeal services that combine landscaping, power washing, and exterior touch-ups—helping you make the best first impression.

3. Failing to Declutter and Depersonalize

Why It Matters: Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your space. Cluttered counters, overflowing closets, or personal photos make it difficult for them to picture their own lives in the home.

What to Do Instead:

• Remove about one-third of your belongings before listing.

• Store or donate excess furniture to open up space.

• Take down family photos, quirky artwork, or bold decor.

• Organize closets to make them appear larger.

Pro Tip: Virtual staging and photo editing tools can remove clutter digitally, especially if homeowners don’t have time to fully clear out before listing.

4. Skipping Professional Cleaning and Staging

Why It Matters: A spotless and well-staged home photographs better, shows better, and sells faster. Yet many sellers skip these steps, relying on their day-to-day cleaning routines.

What to Do Instead:

• Hire professional cleaners for a deep clean—think baseboards, windows, and behind appliances.

• Consider professional staging or virtual staging for online photos.

• At minimum, stage key rooms: living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and bathrooms.

Pro Tip: According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged ones. Even just virtually staging your listing photos can have a big impact.

5. Pricing Too High (or Too Low)

Why It Matters: Your asking price sets the tone for your listing. A home priced too high can sit for months, leading to price reductions and negative perceptions. A home priced too low can leave money on the table.

What to Do Instead:

• Work with a local real estate agent who understands the market.

• Compare recent sales of similar homes, adjusting for upgrades and condition.

• Factor in current market trends—are homes selling fast? Is inventory low?

• Be realistic about the home's condition if you're not planning renovations.

Pro Tip: A freshly updated home—especially one with fresh paint, flooring, or kitchen updates—can command a significantly higher asking price. The cost of minor renovations often pays for itself in sale price and speed.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for sale is more than just cleaning up—it’s about strategically presenting your property in the best light possible to attract the right buyer quickly and for top dollar. At FreshLook Home Solutions, we help homeowners boost their home's value through targeted upgrades, exterior improvements, junk removal, and high-impact visual marketing with Matterport virtual tours.

Avoid the common mistakes and let us help you get your home market-ready with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our seller-ready services.