Since 2006, real estate investor, Eric Brewer has been helping Pennsylvanians and Marylanders navigate the challenges of real estate all while striving to create meaningful connections to positively impact his community.
Nationally, the challenging real estate markets, high interest rates and limited demand on property challenges Central Pennsylvanians looking to buy or sell their home. Eric Brewer notes that living in South Central Pennsylvania does have its advantages in that the demand for property continues to remain steady in the Commonwealth.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a stressful, time-consuming process filled with repairs, showings, and negotiations. While avoiding common mistakes like overpricing, neglecting repairs, or failing to stage your home can help you attract buyers, there’s an easier way—selling to a cash home buyer.
If you want to avoid the hassle of preparing your home for the market, dealing with agent fees, or waiting months for the right offer, a cash sale might be your best option. Companies that buy houses as-is, like ericbuysyourhouse.com let you move forward with confidence without the usual home-selling headaches.
If you are looking to list your home, EricBuysYourHouse.com and Integrity First Home Buyers share their tips on 9 mistakes to avoid when selling your home in PA:
Selling your home is a big deal. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, there are many moving parts to consider—especially if you want the best possible outcome. Whileselling a home in Pennsylvaniacan be exciting, making mistakes that could cost you time, money, or both, is easy.
The good news? You can avoid most of these mistakes if you know what to watch for. So, review the most common pitfalls sellers face and how to prevent them below.
Pricing Your Home Incorrectly
Pricing your home correctly is one of the most critical steps in the selling process. If you price it too high, you risk scaring off potential buyers and letting your property sit on the market for too long. Conversely, pricing it too low might mean leaving money on the table.
What to Do Instead:
Research the local market and see what similar homes in your area are selling for. Consider hiring a real estate agent or appraiser to help you determine a competitive and realistic price. Remember, buyers in Pennsylvania are savvy, and they’ll compare your home to others in the neighborhood.
Skipping Necessary Repairs and Updates
First impressions matter. A home that needs repairs can turn buyers away or lead them to lowball their offers. Minor issues, such as a leaky faucet, chipped paint, or a broken step, can add up in a buyer’s mind.
What to Do Instead:
Before listing your home, take the time to fix any noticeable problems. You don’t need a complete renovation, but addressing minor repairs and updating outdated features (like lighting fixtures or hardware) can make a big difference.
Neglecting Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see. If your yard is overgrown or your front door is dingy, it can create a negative impression before they even step inside.
What to Do Instead:
Invest in basic landscaping, power-wash the driveway, and give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Small touches like potted plants or a new welcome mat can make your home more inviting.
Failing to Declutter and Stage Your Home
A cluttered home can make it hard for buyers to envision themselves living there. Likewise, an empty or poorly staged home might not showcase your property’s full potential.
What to Do Instead:
Declutter your home by removing personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes the space cramped. Consider hiring a professional stager or using virtual staging tools to highlight your home’s best features.
Overlooking the Importance of Quality Photos
Most buyers start their home search online, which means your listing photos are their first impression. Poor-quality photos can make even a great home look unappealing.
What to Do Instead:
Hire a professional real estate photographer to capture your home in its best light. Good photos can make a difference in attracting buyers and getting them through the door for a showing.
Not Being Flexible with Showings
If you’re not accommodating when it comes to showings, you could miss out on serious buyers. Life is busy, but buyers may not wait around if your home isn’t available for them to view.
What to Do Instead:
Keep your home in showing-ready condition, and try to be as flexible as possible with scheduling. This might mean stepping out for last-minute showings, but it could make all the difference in selling your home quickly.
Ignoring Market Trends and Seasonality
The real estate market fluctuates throughout the year, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Selling during a slow season or ignoring current trends could lead to a longer time on the market or lower offers. Read more about seasonal market fluctuationshere.
What to Do Instead:
Work with a real estate professional who understands the Pennsylvania market. They can help you time your sale strategically and tailor your approach to current buyer demand.
Underestimating the Costs of Selling
Selling a home isn’t free. The expenses can add up between agent commissions, closing costs, and potential repairs. If you don’t budget for these costs, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.
What to Do Instead:
Understand all the costs involved in selling your home upfront. This includes agent fees, transfer taxes, and repairs or staging expenses. Having a clear budget will help you avoid unexpected financial stress.
Letting Emotions Get in the Way
It’s natural to feel emotionally attached to your home, especially if you’ve lived there for a long time. However, letting your emotions dictate your decisions can lead to overpricing, rejecting reasonable offers, or clashing with buyers.
What to Do Instead:
Try to approach the sale as a business transaction. Focus on your goals and trust your real estate professional to guide you.
Bonus Mistake: Not Considering All Your Selling Options
Many homeowners assume that listing with a real estate agent is their only option. While this works for many sellers, it’s not always the best fit for everyone—especially if you’re looking for a faster or more flexible sale.
What to Do Instead:
Want to skip all the other time-consuming or stress-inducing “What to do instead” tips? Consider selling your home to a fast cash home buyer in Pennsylvania. They can be invaluable if you face a tight timeline, financial challenges, or a property needing major repairs.
You can sell your home without:
- Costly Repairs or Renovations: Sell your home in its current condition.
- Waiting on the Market: Close in as little as a week instead of months.
- Agent Commissions or Hidden Fees: Keep more money in your pocket.
- Showings or Open Houses: Sell quickly and privately.
Many Central Pennsylvanians have chosen the alternative route and chosen to work with a home buyer like Integrity First Home Buyers to avoid repairs, showings and uncertainty.