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Five Costly Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selling Their Homes

Selling a home is often heralded as one of the most significant financial decisions in a person’s life. However, many homeowners enter this intricate process with misconceptions that could lead to unpleasant surprises down the road, including substantial financial losses. According to a recent survey conducted by Zillow in partnership with The Harris Poll, these missteps are more common than one might think. Here are five frequent mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them.

1. Investing in the Wrong Renovations

Many homeowners believe that hefty renovations, particularly major additions, will maximize their home’s sale price. Surprisingly, nearly 23% of respondents think these projects yield the best return on investment. Contrary to this belief, Zillow's research indicates that simpler updates such as fresh paint and enhanced landscaping often outperform larger renovations in terms of cost-effectiveness and buyer appeal. Christina Pappas, president of The Keyes Company, emphasizes the importance of creating a strong first impression, suggesting that sellers focus on polished staging and a robust online presence rather than costly expansions.

2. Neglecting Online Presentation

In today's digital era, potential buyers often make their initial judgments based on online listings rather than traditional curb appeal. Interestingly, 40% of homeowners still believe curb appeal is the most critical factor. Zillow’s findings shed light on the significance of high-quality online media. Homes featuring immersive virtual tours and high-resolution images not only attract more viewers but can also command up to 2% higher selling prices than those without. The lesson here is clear: a well-presented online listing can drastically improve a home’s visibility and appeal.

3. Skipping Agent Vetting Steps

Choosing the right real estate agent can make or break a home-selling experience. Alarmingly, 25% of homeowners feel they can forego essential research tasks, such as reading online reviews, examining the agent's sales history, and conducting interviews. Such shortcuts can lead to unexpected challenges in a rapidly shifting market, making it crucial to work with a knowledgeable local expert who can accurately price and promote the home.

4. Misprioritizing Home Features

Homeowners often overestimate the value of certain features when crafting their listings. For instance, almost half of those surveyed (45%) believe an open floor plan is the key to enhancing sale prices, yet Zillow reports that such designs tend to sell for slightly less than expected. Instead, features made from natural materials—like oak flooring and stone countertops—can significantly boost sale prices. Only a small percentage of homeowners recognize these material advantages. It is essential to focus on selling features that buyers truly value to maximize sales potential.

5. Misunderstanding Seller Disclosures

A staggering 56% of homeowners erroneously think they can conceal serious property problems—such as structural issues or pest infestations—during the sale. This misunderstanding not only jeopardizes the sale process but can also trigger legal complications. Sellers are obligated to disclose known issues to prospective buyers. Engaging a reputable real estate agent can be instrumental in navigating these legal requirements, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against potential pitfalls.

What Homeowners Do Right

Despite these common pitfalls, many homeowners display awareness in crucial areas. Approximately 37% of sellers recognize the importance of asking real estate agents where they plan to list the property. Furthermore, a significant 70% understand that listing their home on prominent real estate platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com optimizes their chances of achieving the best sales price. This strategic approach can lead to significantly higher profits, highlighting how informed decisions make a substantial difference.

In conclusion, it is essential for homeowners looking to sell to educate themselves thoroughly on best practices in the real estate market. Recognizing these prevalent misconceptions can help them avoid costly blunders and maximize their home's sale potential. Homeowners are encouraged to tap into various resources and remain engaged throughout the selling process. By doing so, they can successfully advocate for their listing and make informed choices that yield the best results.

Survey Methodology: This survey was conducted online between June 5-9, 2025, among 1,387 adults aged 18 and older in the U.S. who are homeowners.