The Top Mistakes Sellers Make When Preparing Their Home (And How to Avoid Them!)
- Felecia Gussman
- May 2
- 3 min read
Selling a home is a big deal—there’s a lot on the line, both financially and emotionally. But even the most well-intentioned sellers can make costly mistakes when preparing their home for the market. The good news? Most of these missteps are completely avoidable with the right guidance and a little planning.
Let’s walk through some of the most common mistakes sellers make—and how you can steer clear of them to set your home up for success.
1. Skipping the Deep Clean
It might seem basic, but you’d be surprised how many sellers overlook the power of a truly spotless home. Buyers notice everything—dust on baseboards, streaky windows, or lingering odors from pets. A surface tidy-up isn’t enough. You need to go all-in.
Avoid It: Hire a professional cleaning service before photos and showings. It’s a relatively small investment that pays off in a big way by making the home feel fresh, cared for, and move-in ready.
2. Neglecting Repairs and Maintenance
Dripping faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint—these small issues can make a home feel neglected and give buyers the impression there may be bigger problems lurking under the surface.
Avoid It: Create a repair checklist and tackling items early. If you’re unsure what’s worth fixing, a pre-listing consultation with an experienced home stager can help you prioritize.
3. Over-Personalizing the Space
Your gallery wall of family photos or that bold statement wall may bring you joy, but they can make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living in the space.
Avoid It: Depersonalize your home. Keep décor neutral, remove highly personal items, and aim for a style that appeals to a broad audience. A professional stager can help create a look that feels warm and welcoming without being too specific.
4. Ignoring Curb Appeal
First Impressions matter—often more than sellers think. If the exterior of your home is looking tired or cluttered, buyers may form negative opinions before they even step through the front door.
Avoid It: mow the lawn, trim shrubs, refresh mulch, and add a few potted plants for a welcoming touch. Repainting your front door and updating the house numbers or light fixtures can also make a big difference!
5. Poor Furniture Placement
A room can feel smaller or awkwardly shaped simply because the furniture isn’t arranged properly. Too much furniture can overwhelm a space, while too little may leave it feeling cold or empty.
Avoid It: Work with a home stager who understands how to highlight each room’s best features. Well done staging creates a clear sense of flow and function, making spaces feel larger and more inviting.
6. Overlooking the Power of Great Photos
Even if a home looks amazing in person, lackluster listing photos can seriously hurt your chances of attracting buyers. Blurry images, poor lighting, or messy backgrounds can cause potential buyers to scroll right past a property online.
Avoid It: Make sure your agent works with a professional real estate photographer—because just like your cousin might take amazing vacation pics, that doesn’t mean they know how to make a living room look like a dream.
There’s more to love—swipe to explore!
Photo Provided By: Jae Koh | im3rd Media
Great photos are your home's First Impression—and in today’s digital market, they can make or break your listing. Pair professional photos with expert staging, and you’ll have a listing that truly stands out.
7. Not Staging the Home
Some sellers assume staging is only necessary for vacant homes or luxury properties. But the truth is, every home benefits from professional staging—even if you're still living in it.
Avoid It: Invest in expert staging to elevate your listing. A professionally staged home photographs better, shows better, and often sells faster (and for more). It helps buyers emotionally connect with the space, which is what ultimately drives offers.
There’s more to love—swipe to explore!
Photo Provided By: Jae Koh | im3rd Media
Bottom Line
Preparing a home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does require thoughtful planning and the right support. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set your home apart from the competition and position yourself for a smoother, more successful sale.
And if you’re feeling unsure where to start? We’re here to help. At First Impressions Staging + Design, we specialize in making homes look their absolute best—so you can sell with confidence.
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