Selling a house can be one of the most exciting—and stressful—things you’ll ever do. I’ve worked with many sellers over the years, and one thing I’ve noticed is this: there are a handful of common mistakes that people always regret making after the sale is done.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, this guide is here to help. I’ve kept things simple, straight-talking, and friendly, just like we are at Doerupper. Below, I’ll walk you through the top 10 costly mistakes sellers make, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Guessing the Asking Price Instead of Getting It Valued
It’s tempting to go with your gut or what your neighbour sold for. But every property is different. Overpricing puts buyers off. Under pricing? You lose money and you don’t want that.
2. Ignoring Small Repairs That Buyers Notice Immediately
That wonky cupboard door or flickering light might seem minor but buyers spot these things straight away. They raise red flags and can make your home look neglected. A quick fix now can save you money and time later.
3. Failing to Sort Your Safety Certificates in Advance
I can’t stress this enough. Buyers are increasingly cautious and rightly so. Missing fire safety certificates, gas safety checks or electrical condition reports can stall or even collapse a sale. Get these sorted before listing. It shows professionalism and builds trust.
4. Forgetting About Asbestos and Hidden Hazards
If your home was built before 2000, you must consider the risk of asbestos. Not declaring or dealing with it can delay sales or lead to legal trouble. We help homeowners get surveys done quickly and safely, no stress, no fuss.
5. Going Overboard on Personal Style Before Viewings
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home, not feel like a guest in it. Neutral, tidy spaces work best. Pop a few cushions around, let in some light, and keep things fresh but simple. Less is more when it comes to styling.
6. Skipping a Pre-Sale Health and Safety Check
You’d be surprised how many people overlook this. Loose floorboards, poor lighting on stairs, or a dodgy garden path can all raise concerns. A quick check can prevent accidents and show you take property safety seriously, something buyers appreciate.
7. Being Vague About the Property’s History
Buyers love transparency. If you’ve had work done, declare it. Have paperwork ready. Being upfront builds trust and can speed up the process. Being vague or evasive can lead to suspicion, price reductions, or worse, withdrawn offers.
8. Not Thinking About Fire Safety Features
Fire doors, smoke detectors and escape routes aren’t just important for safety. They’re key selling points too. Buyers (and their solicitors) are checking these things. We help sellers meet current fire safety regulations without hassle.
9. Trying to Do Everything Yourself Without Advice
Selling your home isn’t just about cleaning the windows and sticking up a “For Sale” sign. There’s legal compliance, safety documentation and negotiation strategy. It’s okay to ask for help, especially when the stakes are high. A good advisor pays for themselves in peace of mind and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
10. Leaving Health and Safety to the Last Minute
Last-minute panics can be expensive. Whether it’s asbestos reports, fire assessments, or general safety checks, get them sorted early. It avoids delays, surprises and stress. We support sellers with simple, affordable solutions to help you stay on track and on time.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home doesn’t need to be stressful or costly. By avoiding these costly mistakes, you’ll be ahead of the game. I always say the key to a smooth sale is preparation, honesty, and knowing when to ask for help.
If you’d like friendly, no-nonsense support with any aspect of property safe from asbestos surveys to fire safety certificates, we’re here to help. Just give us a ring or drop us a message.
You’ve worked hard for your home. Let’s make sure selling it is simple and successful.
