The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make – and How to Avoid Them, According to Alex Rozwadowski

Selling a home sounds straightforward: put a sign in the yard, list it online, and wait for offers to roll in. But in reality, plenty of sellers sabotage their own success—often without even realizing it. In today’s Columbus real estate market, where buyers are more selective and financing is more complex, avoiding key mistakes can mean the difference between a smooth sale and a listing that sits on the market for months.

I’ve been in this industry for years, overseeing thousands of transactions through Century 21 Premier Real Estate. I’ve seen sellers make the same costly errors over and over again. If you’re planning to sell your home in 2025, here’s what not to do.

1. Overpricing the Home

It’s natural to want top dollar for your property. But there’s a big difference between pricing your home competitively and overpricing it out of the market.

Buyers today have access to more data than ever. If your home is priced too high, they’ll simply move on. Worse, overpriced homes tend to sit on the market too long, making them look undesirable. When that happens, sellers often have to drop the price anyway—sometimes even lower than if they had priced it correctly in the first place.

The best approach? Work with an experienced agent who understands pricing strategies based on real market conditions, not wishful thinking.

2. Ignoring the First Impression Factor

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Buyers decide within seconds whether they’re interested in your home, and that decision often starts with curb appeal.

If the lawn is overgrown, the paint is peeling, or the front door looks outdated, buyers will assume the inside of the house is just as neglected. Simple fixes—fresh mulch, a power wash, and a new welcome mat—can go a long way in attracting serious buyers.

Inside, make sure your home is clean, decluttered, and staged to appeal to the widest audience possible.

3. Not Addressing Repairs Before Listing

One of the biggest mistakes I see sellers make is skipping essential repairs, assuming buyers “won’t notice” or “can fix it themselves.” The truth? Buyers will absolutely notice, and most will either walk away or demand a price reduction.

Even small issues—like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or broken light fixtures—can make buyers wonder what bigger problems are lurking beneath the surface. If you’re selling, get a pre-listing home inspection so you know what issues need to be addressed upfront.

4. Refusing to Negotiate

Some sellers assume their initial asking price is non-negotiable, but the reality is almost every sale involves some back-and-forth. Being too rigid can drive buyers away, especially in a market where affordability is a concern.

This doesn’t mean you have to accept lowball offers, but it does mean you should be prepared to:

✔ Offer closing cost assistance if needed

✔ Be flexible with move-in/move-out dates

✔ Make reasonable concessions after the inspection

A skilled agent can help navigate negotiations so that you get the best deal while keeping the sale moving forward.

5. Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent

Not all agents are created equal. Some sellers make the mistake of choosing an agent based solely on who offers the lowest commission or who gives them the highest price estimate—both of which can backfire.

An experienced, full-time real estate professional does more than just list your home. They provide:

✔ Pricing expertise based on real market data

✔ A marketing plan that gets your home in front of the right buyers

✔ Strong negotiation skills to protect your bottom line

✔ Local market knowledge to help avoid common pitfalls

When selecting an agent, ask about their track record, their approach to marketing, and their strategy for getting you the best price. This is your biggest asset—don’t leave it in the hands of someone who isn’t fully committed.

Final Thoughts: Selling Smart in 2025

Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a listing and hoping for the best. The Columbus market is full of opportunity, but success depends on making smart choices. Pricing correctly, presenting the home well, handling repairs, negotiating strategically, and working with the right agent all make the difference between a fast sale and months of frustration.

At Century 21 Premier Real Estate, my team and I have helped countless sellers maximize their home’s value. If you’re thinking about selling, we’d love to create a strategy tailored to your goals.

📢 Want to learn more about what’s happening in the Columbus market? 

I recently shared insights on our company’s growth and market trends in this Columbus CEO article.

And if you’re new to Columbus or just want a deeper dive into the best areas to live, I also wrote a guide on Medium to help you explore the city like a local.

Thinking about selling in 2025? Let’s talk. My team is here to make sure your home sale is a success.