If you’re planning to sell your home in Raleigh, having the right strategy and expectations is crucial. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to today’s market—they’re not accounting for the increase in available homes in the Triangle Area or the fact that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. These missteps can cost them both time and money.
Here are the three biggest mistakes sellers are making and how working with an expert real estate agent can help you avoid them.
1. Pricing the Home Too High
A recent survey from John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) found that pricing is the #1 challenge for sellers today (see graph below):
Many homeowners overprice their listings, assuming they can always negotiate down. But today’s buyers are budget-conscious due to higher mortgage rates, and an overpriced home can push them away entirely. If buyers aren’t even looking at your Raleigh house, it’s not going to sell. That’s why many sellers end up making price cuts later.
Today’s buyers are more cautious due to higher rates and tight budgets, and a price that feels out of reach will scare them off. And if no one’s looking at your house, how’s it going to sell? This is exactly why more sellers are having to do price cuts.
The best way to avoid this? Trust your agent’s expertise from the start. A knowledgeable Triangle Area agent will analyze recent sales in the area and set a competitive price that attracts buyers while maximizing your return.
2. Skipping Repairs
Another mistake sellers make is ignoring small repairs before listing their Raleigh home. While a leaky faucet or squeaky door might not seem like a big deal, these small maintenance issues can make buyers question whether bigger problems exist. Investopedia explains:
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 identify which repairs and updates will make the biggest impact before listing your Triangle Area home. Even small improvements can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your property.
3. Refusing To Negotiate
With high home prices and mortgage rates, buyers are more likely to negotiate—whether it’s on price, repairs, or closing cost assistance. Some sellers make the mistake of taking low offers personally or refusing to negotiate at all.
But with more homes on the market, buyers have options—which means they have more negotiating power. A flexible approach can help keep the deal moving forward while still protecting your bottom line. U.S. News Real Estate emphasizes the importance of working toward a fair agreement:
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
Each of these mistakes can be avoided by partnering with an experienced real estate agent. Trying to sell on your own without market expertise, pricing knowledge, and negotiation skills can make the process longer and more stressful—and may even cost you money.
Bottom Line
If you want to sell your home successfully, having the right plan—and the right agent—is key. Contact Linda Craft Team Realtors to ensure you avoid these common mistakes and sell your home for the best possible price!
