Selling your home can be an exciting yet challenging process. While it’s natural to focus on getting the best price, some common mistakes can impact the success of your sale. At EVES, we’re here to help you avoid these mistakes. We’ve helped countless Kiwi homeowners navigate the selling journey, and we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.

Here are five common mistakes sellers make and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth and profitable sale.

1. Setting the wrong asking price

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is overpricing their property. While it’s tempting to aim high, an inflated price can deter buyers and lead to your home sitting on the market for too long. This leads to you covering extra mortgage payments due to a prolonged time spent on the market while you reflect on market feedback and eventually price it appropriately. Another pricing trap to avoid is using your home’s RV (council Rating Valuation) as a guide for your price expectations. RV’s are often from the year prior and don’t reflect the current market.

How to avoid it
Keep up to date with the market. Look at property portal websites, news articles and insights relating to inflation and demand. Obtain an appraisal from your salesperson which will include a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you set a competitive price that reflects your home’s value while attracting serious buyers.

2. Neglecting presentation

First impressions matter. A cluttered, poorly maintained, or unstaged home can leave buyers unimpressed, even if the property has potential.

How to avoid it
Invest time and effort into preparing your home for sale. Declutter, deep clean, and consider staging your home to highlight its best features. This will help the professional photos make a strong impact when marketing your property online.

3. Overlooking minor repairs

Small maintenance issues, like dripping taps, peeling paint, or broken fixtures, can signal to buyers that the home hasn’t been well cared for. These seemingly minor flaws can lead to lower offers or turn buyers away altogether.

How to avoid it
Before listing your home, tackle any minor repairs and maintenance tasks. A little effort upfront and some fresh paint can boost your property’s appeal and value in buyers’ eyes.

4. Not being flexible with viewings

In today’s fast-paced market, buyers often want to view properties at short notice. Sellers who are too rigid with viewing times risk missing out on interested buyers.

How to avoid it
Be as accommodating as possible with viewings. Buyers who feel welcomed and have ample opportunity to view the property are more likely to make an offer. If you’re unsure how to manage the logistics, your real estate salesperson can help coordinate viewings to suit everyone’s schedule.

5. Trying to sell without professional help

Selling a property on your own may seem like a cost-saving move, but selling privately often leads to missed opportunities, undervalued offers, and added stress. Navigating the complexities of contracts, negotiations, and marketing requires expertise.

How to avoid it
Engage a trusted real estate professional who knows the local market inside out. They’ll handle everything from marketing to negotiation, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome while minimising stress.

Partner with the experts

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial transactions you’ll make, and avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve a faster, smoother, and more profitable sale. At EVES, we bring years of experience, market insights, and personalised support to every transaction. Whether you’re selling your first home or your tenth, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to sell?
Contact us today for expert advice and to find out how we can help you achieve your property goals. Let’s make your selling journey as successful and stress-free as possible! www.eves.co.nz/free-appraisal