10 Things to Avoid When Trying to Sell Your Home

10 Things to Avoid When Trying to Sell Your Home
By Melissa Elliott, The Real Estate Wrangler of North & East Texas

When you’re selling your home, you want buyers to giddy up and make an offer—not run for the hills. But all too often, sellers unknowingly make choices that spook potential buyers faster than a bull at a backyard BBQ. If you’re looking to get top dollar without wasting time, here are 10 things to steer clear of when selling your home.

1. Overpricing from the Get-Go

Yes, your home is special. But if you price it like it’s made of solid gold, buyers will scroll on by. Homes that sit too long lose momentum—and value. Trust the comps, trust your agent, and trust the market.

2. Skipping Professional Photos

Cell phone pics with bad lighting and cluttered countertops? Nope. Buyers are shopping online first, and if your photos don’t shine, they’ll never step foot inside. Hire a pro—your equity depends on it.

3. Ignoring Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, y’all. Peeling paint, overgrown grass, or a broken porch light says, “I don’t take care of my house.” Even a simple sprucing up can make a big difference.

4. Being Emotionally Attached

You raised babies and baked pies here, but buyers are looking for their future, not your past. Keep emotions in check and make decisions based on logic and market value, not nostalgia.

5. Refusing to Declutter

Less is more. Pack up the knickknacks, thin out the closets, and make room for buyers to see themselves living there. If your home looks like an episode of Hoarders, it’s time for a storage unit.

6. Staying Home During Showings

Buyers don’t want the seller lurking in the hallway. It’s awkward. Go grab coffee or hit up Buc-ee’s. Let them explore freely and imagine the home as theirs.

7. Ignoring Odors

Funky smells are deal breakers. Smoke, pets, last night’s fish fry—buyers notice. Deep clean carpets, take out the trash daily, and maybe light a candle (nothing too strong—this ain’t Bath & Body Works).

8. Neglecting Repairs

That leaky faucet and squeaky door? Buyers see a list of chores and dollar signs. Take care of minor repairs before listing—it shows your home has been well-loved and well-maintained.

9. Limiting Showings

If you make it hard for buyers to see the home, they’ll move on. Be flexible, even if it’s inconvenient. You’re selling a product—make it easy to shop.

10. Hiring the Wrong Agent

Not all agents are created equal. You need someone who knows the market, negotiates like a pro, and markets your home with strategy and style. (Hint: You’re already reading her blog. 😉)

Bottom Line:
Selling your home is a business decision—one that can be smooth and profitable when you sidestep the common mistakes. If you’re thinking about selling in North or East Texas, I’d love to lasso up the perfect buyer for you.

📲 Call or text me today, and let’s wrangle this sale together!
Because buying and selling ain’t my first rodeo.