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Selling a home is a big deal, whether you’re a seasoned seller or putting your house on the market for the first time. In a competitive real estate market like Seattle, small mistakes can cost you time, money, or even the right buyer. Here are five common mistakes home sellers make and how we’ll help you avoid them.

1. Pricing Too High or Too Low

Setting the right price is one of the most critical steps when selling your home. If you price too high, your home may sit on the market too long, leading buyers to wonder if something is wrong. On the flip side, underpricing can leave money on the table.

How we’ll avoid it: With The Howell Group, we conduct a comprehensive market analysis tailored to your neighborhood and home’s unique features. By understanding current trends and comparable sales in your area, we’ll help you set a price that’s both competitive and realistic.

Why this matters in Seattle: Seattle’s market can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. A home in Ballard might perform differently than one in West Seattle, even if they’re similar in size and style. Accurate pricing helps you compete effectively while attracting serious buyers.

2. Neglecting Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially when buyers are scrolling through dozens of listings online or driving by your home. If your curb appeal doesn’t grab their attention, they might move on without giving your home a second thought. Neglecting curb appeal is one mistake that can leave money on the table.

How we’ll avoid it: We’ll provide you with tailored advice on simple yet impactful updates, like fresh landscaping, repainting your front door, or adding a seasonal wreath. If needed, we can also recommend trusted professionals to get the job done.

Pro tip for Seattle sellers: Rainy days are common here, so we’ll ensure your home’s exterior looks inviting even in overcast weather. Adding evergreen plants, cleaning walkways, and enhancing exterior lighting will highlight your home’s best features.

3. Skipping Home Staging

An empty house or one that’s overly cluttered can make it difficult for buyers to picture themselves living there. Staging helps highlight your home’s best features and creates an emotional connection for potential buyers.

How we’ll avoid it: The Howell Group partners with professional stagers who know how to create spaces that appeal to today’s buyers. If staging isn’t in your budget, we’ll guide you with DIY tips that maximize your home’s potential.

Seattle staging insight: Many Seattle buyers are looking for open, light-filled spaces that complement the natural beauty of the area. A minimalist approach with neutral tones and well-placed furniture can make your home feel both modern and welcoming.

4. Ignoring Repairs or Maintenance Issues

Even small maintenance issues like a leaky faucet or a loose doorknob can raise red flags for buyers. They may start wondering what larger problems could be lurking.

How we’ll avoid it: Before listing your home, we’ll help you identify and tackle minor repairs. If you want to go the extra mile, we’ll recommend a pre-listing inspection to uncover and address any potential issues upfront, giving buyers peace of mind.

Seattle-specific advice: Homes in Seattle are often older, which can mean hidden issues like outdated electrical systems or moisture problems. By addressing these proactively, we’ll help you avoid costly surprises during the buyer’s inspection.

5. Not Marketing Effectively

Seattle’s real estate market is competitive, and simply listing your home on the MLS isn’t enough. Without a strong marketing plan, you’re missing out on attracting the right buyers.

How we’ll avoid it: The Howell Group specializes in creating custom marketing plans for each home we sell. From professional photography and videography to social media campaigns, email and print marketing, custom property websites and more, we ensure your home gets maximum exposure.

Why this matters: Seattle’s diverse market includes everyone from first-time homebuyers to luxury investors. A tailored marketing strategy ensures your home reaches the right audience and stands out in a crowded marketplace.

Bonus Tip: Timing the Market

While spring and summer are traditionally popular times to sell, Seattle’s real estate market remains active year-round. Selling in the fall or winter might mean less competition, but it’s crucial to adjust your strategy to match seasonal trends. Buyers looking during these months are often more serious, which can work in your favor.

How we’ll maximize timing: Together, we’ll determine the best time to list based on your home’s unique qualities and current market conditions.

A Proven Plan for Success

You’ve already taken the first and most important step by partnering with The Howell Group. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a smooth and successful selling experience. From pricing and staging to marketing and negotiating, we’re here to handle every detail, so you can focus on your next chapter.

Want to get started? Let’s make your home-selling journey a success!

Brad Howell
The Howell Group
206-271-1111
brad@bradhowell.com