5 Seller Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

If you’re thinking about selling your home, there’s a good chance you’ve already asked yourself the big question: What’s it worth?

But the better question might be: What will it actually sell for?

The truth is, how much money you walk away with doesn’t just depend on your home's condition or your neighborhood comps. It depends on the decisions you make before your home even hits the market. And according to new research from Zillow, a lot of sellers are still getting some of the basics wrong.

Here are five of the most common seller mistakes, and what to do instead.

1. Spending Too Much on the Wrong Upgrades

We all want our home to look its best, especially when it’s about to be judged by every buyer on the internet. But here’s the mistake: 23% of homeowners believe adding square footage (like building an addition) is the best way to boost resale value.

You’re better off focusing on affordable, high-impact projects like fresh paint, updated landscaping, and good lighting. These are the things buyers actually notice, and they don’t require a six-figure investment.

Before you start knocking down walls or renovating your kitchen, talk to your agent. They’ll help you pinpoint the upgrades that move the needle in your specific market.

2. Forgetting About Screen Appeal 

Yes, curb appeal matters. But in 2025, your photos matter more.

Most buyers are making snap decisions online before they ever step foot inside your home. That means your listing photos, videos, and 3D tours need to stop the scroll. Yet 40% of homeowners still believe curb appeal is the most important first impression.

Don’t underestimate the power of a professional media package. Think wide-angle shots, high-resolution images, and interactive floor plans. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about standing out.

3. Skipping Your Homework When Hiring an Agent

Selling a home is a major transaction. And yet, 1 in 4 homeowners say they didn’t bother reading reviews, checking past sales, or interviewing multiple agents.

That’s like hiring a surgeon without Googling them first.

You want someone who knows your market, has a strong digital presence, and will actually tell you the truth about pricing. Don’t skip the interview process. This is one of the most important partnerships of the entire transaction.

4. Highlighting the Wrong Features in Your Listing

Think every buyer wants an open floor plan? Nearly half of homeowners do, but homes with open layouts actually sell for less than expected, according to Zillow.

What does sell? Natural materials. White oak flooring. Walnut cabinets. Soapstone countertops. Only 9% of sellers know that these details can add as much as 3.5% to your final sale price.

Your agent should know what buyers in your market are searching for and craft your listing description accordingly. It’s not just about what your home has, it’s about how you talk about it.

5. Hiding Known Issues

Let’s be blunt: hiding water damage, pests, or structural issues is not a good strategy. More than half of homeowners think it might help them sell faster.

But besides being illegal in most cases, failing to disclose problems almost always comes back to bite you. Inspections happen. Trust gets broken. Deals fall through.

The better move is to be honest. Disclose what you know. And let your agent help you price and position the home accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home isn’t just about timing the market or lucking into the right buyer. It’s about preparation, presentation, and making smart choices that stack the odds in your favor. The good news is, even small shifts, like choosing the right paint color, getting quality listing photos, or understanding what to highlight, can make a big difference in your final sale price.

With the right approach, sellers can avoid costly mistakes and feel confident knowing they did everything they could to make the most of their home sale.