Top 9+ Big Mistakes First-Time Sellers Regret Later

Setting the Wrong Price from the Start

It’s shocking how often first-time home sellers misjudge their home’s value. Setting the price too high can scare away buyers, leaving your property lingering on the market for months.

On the flip side, pricing too low means missing out on thousands of dollars. According to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, nearly 36% of sellers admitted they later wished they’d priced differently—either because their home sold too fast or sat unsold too long.

Many first-timers rely on online estimates or emotional attachment rather than a professional comparative market analysis. The regret comes fast when they see nearby homes selling for more or less than theirs.

Real estate agents stress the importance of accurate pricing, as homes priced correctly tend to sell 50% faster. One seller said, “I was convinced my home was worth more.

I was wrong, and it cost me both time and money.”

Skipping Small Repairs and Home Improvements

Many sellers think buyers won’t notice that leaky faucet or peeling paint, but the data says otherwise. According to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2024 survey, 85% of buyers said they pay close attention to minor defects during showings.

First-timers often regret not investing a few hundred dollars in small repairs that could have boosted their home’s perceived value by thousands. One new seller in Chicago realized after the fact that fixing a cracked window and updating cabinet handles could have made a huge difference.

Buyers often use visible flaws to negotiate lower prices, leaving sellers frustrated. “I thought the little stuff didn’t matter,” one seller confessed, “but everyone pointed it out.”

Underestimating the Power of Staging

Staging a home can feel unnecessary or expensive, but it’s proven to work wonders. According to a 2025 report by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sold 73% faster than non-staged ones, and for 6-10% more money.

First-time sellers often regret skipping this step, thinking buyers will see past their clutter or empty rooms. The reality?

Buyers are swayed by first impressions. A well-staged home stands out in online listings and in-person tours alike.

Even simple touches—like fresh flowers, neutral paint, and well-placed furniture—can make a dramatic difference. As one seller put it, “We staged our neighbor’s house, and it sold above asking.

I wish I’d done the same.”

Ignoring Curb Appeal

The first thing buyers see is the outside of your home, and first-time sellers often underestimate this. In fact, a 2024 HomeLight survey revealed that 94% of top agents recommend improving curb appeal before listing.

Neglecting landscaping, failing to power-wash the driveway, or leaving the front door unpainted can turn off buyers before they even step inside. Small investments—like planting flowers or fixing the mailbox—often lead to a higher sale price.

Sellers who skipped curb appeal upgrades often reported in follow-up surveys that buyers commented negatively about the exterior. “Our realtor begged us to spruce up the yard,” admitted one seller, “but we ignored her.

Now I see why we had so few showings.”

Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent

Picking a friend or the first agent you meet can backfire badly. According to a Redfin analysis from early 2025, 29% of sellers used the first agent they contacted, but 41% of that group later wished they’d interviewed more options.

The right agent knows your market, has a strong sales record, and communicates clearly. Many first-timers regret not checking reviews or asking tough questions about marketing strategy and negotiation skills.

A good agent can mean the difference between a quick, profitable sale and months of stress and disappointment. “I thought any agent would do,” one seller said, “but I learned the hard way that experience matters.”

Not Preparing for the Emotional Rollercoaster

Selling a home isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s an emotional journey, and first-timers are often blindsided. According to a 2024 Realtor.com poll, 68% of sellers said the process was more stressful than they expected.

Many regret not anticipating the anxiety of showings, the sting of negative feedback, or the disappointment of low offers. Sellers can feel insulted by criticism or attached to memories, making it hard to negotiate objectively.

Being mentally unprepared leads to rash decisions, like rejecting reasonable offers or fighting over small repairs. “I wasn’t ready for how personal it felt,” a first-time seller shared, “and it clouded my judgment.”

Failing to Disclose Problems Honestly

Some sellers think hiding issues—like a leaky roof or foundation crack—will help their sale, but this mistake often comes back to haunt them. In 2024, lawsuits against home sellers over non-disclosure rose by 14% compared to the previous year.

Most states require detailed disclosure forms, and buyers can sue if hidden problems surface after closing. The regret is real when legal bills and settlements add up.

Transparency builds trust and protects you from future headaches. “We tried to cover up a mold issue,” admitted one seller, “but it came out in the inspection.

We lost the sale and had to pay for repairs anyway.”

Overlooking the Costs of Selling

First-time sellers often focus on the sale price and forget the hidden costs. According to NerdWallet’s 2024 Home Seller Report, total selling expenses average 8-10% of the final price.

These include agent commissions, closing costs, repairs, staging, and moving expenses. Many sellers are shocked when the net amount is much lower than expected.

There’s also the risk of paying two mortgages if you buy before you sell. Sellers who didn’t budget for these costs often felt caught off guard and pressured to accept lower offers.

“I thought I’d walk away with a big check,” one seller said, “but after expenses, it was much less.”

Failing to Market the Home Effectively

Good marketing makes all the difference, but first-time sellers often rely on basic listing photos and minimal online exposure. The 2025 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showed that 97% of buyers used the internet in their home search, yet many sellers skip professional photography or targeted social media ads.

Poor marketing means fewer showings and less competition—often resulting in a lower sale price. Sellers who invested in high-quality photos, virtual tours, and strong online listings reported faster, more lucrative sales.

One regretful seller said, “We thought the house would sell itself, but nobody came until we upgraded our photos and marketing.”