Are you getting ready to sell your home in Clarksville? Selling a house can feel scary. Many people make simple mistakes that cost them money and time. The good news is that these common mistakes sellers make are easy to avoid! In this guide, we’ll show you what NOT to do when selling your Clarksville home. You’ll learn how to get more money and sell faster. Let’s make sure you don’t fall into these traps!

Common Mistakes Sellers Make When Pricing Their Home

Setting the Price Too High

This is the biggest mistake of all. Many sellers think their home is worth more than it really is. They have happy memories there. They remember all the money they spent fixing it up. But buyers don’t care about that.

When your price is too high, something bad happens. Buyers skip right past your home. They look at other houses instead. Your home sits on the market for weeks and months. Then everyone wonders what’s wrong with it.

The best price is one that matches other homes in Clarksville. Look at what sold recently in your neighborhood. Those numbers tell the truth.

Ignoring What Your Agent Says

Your real estate agent knows the Clarksville market. They sell homes every single day. They know what buyers will pay.

But some sellers don’t listen. They think they know better. This is a huge mistake. Your agent has special tools and information. They can see what homes are selling for right now.

Trust your agent’s advice on pricing. They want you to get the most money possible. After all, they make more money when you do!

Common Mistakes Sellers Make with Home Repairs

Skipping Important Fixes

Some sellers try to save money by not fixing things. They think buyers won’t notice that broken doorknob. Or that crack in the wall. Or the leaky faucet.

Wrong! Buyers notice everything. Even small problems make them worried. They think, “What else is broken that I can’t see?”

Fix the obvious problems before listing. Paint over scuffs. Replace broken tiles. Fix doors that stick. These small fixes don’t cost much. But they make a huge difference.

Doing Too Many Personal Updates

Here’s a tricky one. Some sellers spend thousands on updates that don’t help. They install their dream purple bathroom. Or they add fancy features only they like.

Remember: you’re not fixing up the house for you anymore. You’re preparing it for buyers. Stick to neutral colors and simple updates. Fresh paint in beige or gray is perfect. Clean carpets are great. Save the wild ideas for your next home.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make During Showings

Living in a Messy House

Your home needs to look like a magazine. That means it has to be clean and tidy all the time. Every single day it’s on the market.

This is hard! You still have to live there. Kids make messes. Dogs shed fur. Dishes pile up. But buyers need to imagine their own stuff in your home. They can’t do that when your stuff is everywhere.

Pack away half of your things. Clean every day. Make your bed each morning. Take out the trash. Wipe down counters. It’s a lot of work, but it pays off.

Being Home During Showings

When buyers come to see your home, you need to leave. Go to a coffee shop. Take a walk around Clarksville. Visit the park. Just don’t be there.

Why? Because buyers feel weird looking around with you watching. They can’t open closets and really explore. They feel rushed. They won’t fall in love with your home.

Also, don’t talk to buyers. Let their agent do the talking. You might accidentally say something wrong. Let the home speak for itself.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make with Marketing

Using Bad Photos

Most buyers see your home online first. Your photos need to be amazing. But some sellers make terrible mistakes here.

They take dark, blurry pictures with their phone. They don’t clean up first. They leave personal photos on the walls. These bad pictures make buyers scroll right past your home.

Hire a professional photographer. This costs money, but it’s worth it. Good photos get more people through your door. More people means more offers. More offers mean more money for you.

Not Advertising Enough

Some sellers think one listing on one website is enough. That’s not true anymore. Your home needs to be everywhere online.

The best listing should have:

• Professional photos
• A detailed description
• A virtual tour or video
• Information about Clarksville and the neighborhood
• Posts on social media

Your agent should handle most of this. But make sure they’re doing it! Ask where your home will be advertised.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make with Flexibility

Being Picky About Showing Times

Buyers want to see homes when it’s convenient for them. That might be evenings. Or weekends. Or even during your dinner time.

Some sellers say “no” to showing requests. They only allow viewings on Tuesday afternoons. Or they need 24 hours’ notice every time. This is a big mistake.

Every “no” is a lost opportunity. That buyer might be THE buyer. Be as flexible as possible. Yes, it’s annoying. But it’s temporary. You’ll sell faster if you say “yes” more often.

Refusing Reasonable Offers

Your home has been on the market for three weeks. A buyer offers $5,000 less than your asking price. Some sellers get offended. They say no immediately.

This is silly! Everything is negotiable. That first offer is just the start of a conversation. Maybe you can meet in the middle. Maybe the buyer will cover closing costs instead.

Don’t let your emotions make decisions. Look at every offer carefully. Talk it through with your agent. You might be closer to a deal than you think.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make with Home Presentation

Forgetting About Curb Appeal

Buyers decide if they like your home in the first 10 seconds. That happens before they even walk inside. They judge your home from the curb.

Make the outside look amazing:

• Mow the lawn every week
• Trim bushes and pull weeds
• Plant some colorful flowers
• Paint or clean the front door
• Power wash the driveway
• Put out a new welcome mat

These simple things make buyers excited to see inside. First impressions matter so much!

Leaving Personal Items Everywhere

Your family photos are special to you. But they distract buyers. Same with your kid’s artwork on the fridge. And your collection of decorative plates. And all your stuff on the bathroom counter.

Buyers need to picture themselves living there. They can’t do that when they see YOUR life everywhere. Pack up most of your personal items. Store them in the garage or a storage unit. Make your home look like a model home.

Keep surfaces clear. That means kitchen counters, bathroom counters, nightstands, and tables. Empty is better when selling a home.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make After Receiving Offers

Waiting for a Better Offer

You get an offer. It’s pretty good, but not perfect. Your agent says you should take it. But you decide to wait. You’re sure someone will offer more.

Then… nothing. Days go by. That first buyer moves on. They buy someone else’s home. Now you’re back to square one.

This happens all the time in Clarksville. Don’t be greedy. A good offer in your hand is better than a perfect offer in your dreams. Work with real offers, not imaginary ones.

Not Preparing for the Inspection

Every buyer will inspect your home. They hire someone to check everything. The roof, the foundation, the plumbing, the electrical system, everything.

Some sellers are shocked by the inspection report. The inspector finds problems. The buyer wants money off the price. Or they want you to fix things. The seller gets upset.

Get your own inspection before listing! This costs about $300-500. But you’ll know about problems ahead of time. You can fix them. Or you can price your home accordingly. No surprises means easier negotiations.

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling in Clarksville!

Selling your Clarksville home doesn’t have to be stressful. Now you know the common mistakes sellers make. You can avoid all of them!

Remember the big ones:

• Price your home right from the start
• Make repairs before listing
• Keep your home clean for showings
• Leave during viewings
• Use professional photos
• Be flexible with showing times
• Take good offers seriously
• Prepare for inspections

Follow this advice and you’ll sell faster. You’ll get more money too. Work with a great Clarksville real estate agent. They’ll guide you through each step.

Ready to sell? You’ve got this! Avoid these mistakes and you’ll have a sold sign in your yard before you know it.

Ready to Buy or Sell in Clarksville?

Let’s discuss your specific situation and create a winning strategy for your real estate goals!

Read our other article for more tips that add value to your home: DIY Home Improvements That Add Value

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joey@williamsonhg.org
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