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2. Skipping Repairs

Another common mistake is trying to avoid doing work on your house. That leaky faucet or
squeaky door might not bother you, but to buyers, small maintenance issues can be red flags.
They may assume those little flaws are signs of bigger problems — and it could cost you when
offers come in lower or buyers ask for concessions. As Investopedia says:

“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. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a
potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been
addressed either.”

The solution? Work with your agent to prioritize anything you’ll need to tackle before the
photographer comes in. These minor upgrades can pay off big when it’s time to sell.

2. Refusing to Negotiate

Buyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability so
tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you want to see. Don’t take it personally.
Instead, focus on the end goal: selling your house. Your agent can help you negotiate confidently
without letting emotions cloud your judgment.

At the same time, with more homes on the market, buyers have options — and with that comes

more negotiating power. They may ask for repairs, closing cost assistance, or other concessions.
Be prepared to have these conversations. Again, lean on your agent to guide you. Sometimes a
small compromise can seal the deal without derailing your bottom line. As U.S. News Real
Estate explains:
“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to
negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like
he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a
credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”

The Biggest Mistake of All? Not Using a Real Estate Agent

Notice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from
happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the
biggest mistake of all.

Bottom Line

Avoid these common mistakes by starting with the right plan — and the right agent.
Let’s connect so you don’t fall into any of these traps.

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