One of the most common mistakes is choosing an agent based solely on who suggests the highest asking price, rather than on genuine evidence, track record and a sound marketing strategy. This approach frequently leads to an overpriced listing, a longer campaign, and ultimately a lower result than a realistic price would have achieved.
Many sellers also underestimate the value of presentation, listing a property with visible clutter, outdated styling or unaddressed minor repairs rather than investing modest time and money into preparation beforehand. These issues can meaningfully affect buyer perception and the offers a property attracts.
Skipping proper research into comparable sales before setting price expectations is another frequent error, with sellers instead relying on what they feel the property should be worth or on informal comments from friends and neighbours. A clear understanding of genuine market evidence should inform pricing discussions from the very start.
Some sellers rush the listing process without adequate preparation of paperwork, such as body corporate records, building approvals or disclosure documents, leading to delays once a buyer is ready to proceed. Having a solicitor engaged and documentation ready before the campaign begins avoids this friction later.
Finally, sellers sometimes set unrealistic expectations about timeframes, assuming a property will sell within days regardless of price, condition or market conditions. Discussing a realistic expected timeframe with your agent before listing helps you approach the campaign with appropriate patience rather than reacting hastily to a slower than hoped start.
Happy to talk it through — no pressure, no sales pitch.