5 Biggest Mistakes That Are Killing Your Home Sale

By Bob Sophiea

Founder and CEO of New Home Collective, established the company in 2014 with a mission to revolutionize the real estate industry.

Why isn’t your home selling, even in a hot market? It’s one of the most frustrating situations for sellers. You list your home, wait for the showings and offers to roll in… and then nothing happens.

If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. Your home might not be selling because of a few simple but powerful mistakes that many people make. The good news? Every one of them is fixable.

Let’s break them down.

Overpricing pushes buyers away. One of the most common mistakes is pricing your home too high. Many sellers think, “Let’s start high and see what happens.” But today’s buyers are smart. They check prices online using tools like Zillow and Redfin and know what homes are worth in each neighborhood.

If your home is priced way above similar homes nearby, most buyers won’t even see it in their search results. Others will just skip it. That means fewer showings, fewer offers, and eventually, a lower sale price than if you had priced it correctly from the start.

Presentation problems ruin first impressions. Your home might look great in photos, but if it doesn’t hold up in person, buyers will walk away fast. Simple things like a roof that’s too old, cracks in the walls, or worn-out appliances can scare them off.

People want to feel confident when they’re buying. They don’t want surprise repairs or hidden issues. Before you list, get a home inspection and fix any major issues. This builds trust and helps your home sell faster.

Bad timing means fewer buyers. When you list your home matters more than you think. In places like Lexington, spring and early summer are the best times to sell. That’s when most buyers are out looking, and homes sell faster and for more money.

Listing in the winter or late fall? You’ll likely have fewer showings and a longer time on the market. If you must sell in the off-season, you’ll need to make your home extra inviting and price it right.

The wrong agent can stall your sale. Not all real estate agents are the same. Some are experts who know how to market homes, communicate well, and price things correctly. Others are just doing the basics.

A strong agent brings a full marketing plan, not just an MLS listing. That includes targeted online exposure, video, social media reach, pricing strategy, and constant communication.

Sellers should interview agents the way they would interview a surgeon. Ask how many homes they’ve sold in your neighborhood. Ask about list-to-sale price ratios. Ask what their marketing plan looks like beyond the MLS.

Your home is too valuable to gamble with. You need someone who knows your area and has a real plan to sell your home.

Failing to adapt to today’s market. The market in 2026 isn’t the same as it was in 2021. Back then, homes sold fast with little effort. Now, buyers are more careful, interest rates are higher, and competition from new homes is real. Sellers who don’t adjust their price, marketing, or strategy quickly end up stuck. Pay attention to buyer feedback and stay flexible.

Want your home to sell faster and for the right price? Don’t let simple mistakes cost you time and money. Whether it’s pricing, presentation, or picking the right agent, we can help you make the right moves.

Visit www.nhcnow.com or email bob@nhcnow.com to schedule your free consultation. Let’s fix what’s holding your home back and build a strategy to get it sold fast.