Please Please Please Don’t Make These Mistakes When Listing Your Home

When it comes to selling your home in South Florida, the devil is in the details—and so is the deal. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your home sale doesn’t stumble before it even starts.

1. Local Knowledge is Key

Think hiring an agent from Miami to sell your Palm Beach pad is no big deal? Think again! Real estate is hyper-local. Agents who aren’t familiar with the nuances of your neighborhood might as well be selling sand in the Sahara. They need to know everything from the local price per square foot to community-specific regulations like who picks the title company. Plus, an agent rooted in the local scene has a better shot at drawing in a pool of eager buyers who are actually looking to buy in your area.

2. Honesty is the Best Policy

Lying about your property’s square footage? That’s a big no-no. Exaggerations and half-truths about your property will always come to light during the inspection. If you’re unsure about the age of your roof or the exact size of your bonus room, it’s perfectly okay to admit it. Buyers and their inspectors have a sixth sense for sniffing out fibs, and getting caught in one can derail your sale faster than you can say “square footage.”

3. Apples to Oranges—Don’t Compare Unfairly

Yes, selling your home is emotional, but this isn’t the time for rose-colored glasses. If the house next door sold for $500,000 with top-line upgrades and yours is still rocking that “vintage” look from 1982, you can’t expect the same price tag. Before listing, take a hard, logical look at your home’s condition. Consider making key upgrades, or be prepared to adjust your expectations—and your asking price accordingly.

4. Choosing the Right Agent Matters

Selling your home isn’t just about slapping some photos on the MLS and calling it a day. Well, it shouldn’t be. What will your agent actually do to ensure you get the best price? Ask if they provide professional photography, virtual staging, and how they plan to market your property. Do they have a solid online strategy? Do they tap into direct mail? These efforts make a difference. Choose an agent whose strategy goes beyond the bare minimum to maximize your home’s visibility and appeal.

5. Don’t Skimp on the Commission

After the NAR settlement in 2024, the real estate commission landscape changed, but one thing remains true: you get what you pay for. Offering a buyer’s agent commission is essential, even if it’s baked into the purchase price and paid by you, the seller. Here’s why: homes sold without an agent last year fetched around $380k on average, while those with agents commanded $435k—even after the commission, that’s $28k more in your pocket. It’s not just about finding a buyer; it’s about finding the right buyer willing to pay the right price.

6. Access Issues: Don’t Block the Door!

Putting up too many restrictions on showing times or making it difficult to schedule viewings can severely limit your pool of potential buyers. Buyers and their agents prefer properties that are easy to access at convenient times. If your showing availability is as limited as a VIP club, you might be turning away willing and able buyers. Make sure your home is ready and available to show with as few restrictions as possible to maximize interest and offers.

7. Poor Property Condition: First Impressions Are Everything

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal. A home needing significant repairs or that presents poorly can turn off buyers before they even step through the door. It’s important to address any major issues before listing or be honest about the property’s condition and price it accordingly. Remember, the effort you put into making your home look inviting can significantly influence buyers’ perceptions and the offers you receive.

By avoiding these all-too-common blunders, you’re not just selling a house; you’re ensuring a smoother transaction and potentially pocketing more profits. Now, isn’t that a smarter way to close the deal?