The Two Costly Mistakes That Could Kill Your Home Sale

 

Planning to put your house on the market? Here's what most sellers don't realize: the choices you make before listing can determine whether you'll celebrate a successful sale in weeks or struggle for months with mounting frustration.

After years of guiding Atlanta homeowners through competitive markets, the Justin Landis Group has identified two mistakes that consistently derail home sales—yet they're completely avoidable when you know what to watch for.

Mistake #1: The Pricing Gamble That Backfires

Many sellers think they can test the market with an ambitious price and adjust later if needed. This strategy almost always backfires.

When your home sits on the market too long because of overpricing, it tells a story—and not the one you want. Buyers wonder what's wrong with it. Even when you eventually reduce the price, you've already lost momentum and bargaining power.

The homes that sell quickly and for top dollar? They're priced strategically from day one, based on current market data and comparable sales—not wishful thinking or what a neighbor's house sold for three years ago.

Mistake #2: Overestimating Buyer Motivation for Projects

Here's the surprising truth: HGTV has convinced sellers that buyers are excited about "making it their own," but real-world data tells a different story entirely.

Today's buyers are busy, often overwhelmed, and looking for homes they can move into without immediately hiring contractors. When they walk into a house with outdated finishes, worn carpets, or appliances on their last legs, they're not envisioning potential—they're calculating costs and hassle.

The result? They either walk away to find a move-in ready alternative, or they submit a lowball offer that accounts for all the work they'll need to tackle.

Small, strategic updates before listing typically deliver returns that far exceed their cost. Fresh paint, quality flooring, and modern appliances don't just make your home more appealing—they remove objections and expand your buyer pool significantly.

Get Your Sale Right from the Start

The Justin Landis Group specializes in helping sellers avoid these pitfalls with a proven approach:

Strategic Pricing Analysis – We use comprehensive market data and our specialized valuation tools to determine the price that attracts serious buyers while maximizing your return.

ROI-Focused Updates – Not all improvements are created equal. We'll identify which updates will pay off and which ones won't move the needle for your specific property.

Customized Marketing Plan – From professional staging guidance to targeted buyer outreach, we position your home to stand out in today's competitive market.

Let's Talk About Your Home Sale Goals

Don't leave money on the table or waste months on the market because of avoidable mistakes. Get started with a complimentary home valuation and strategy session.

Contact the Justin Landis Group:

Whether you're in Atlanta, our team brings local expertise and proven strategies to help you achieve the successful sale you deserve.

This insightful discussion was brought to you by a paid partnership with Kristin Klingshirn on Atlanta’s Q99.7.

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