7 Mistakes That Stop Homes Selling (And How to Avoid Them)
7 Mistakes That Stop Homes Selling (And How to Avoid Them)
Selling a home should be straightforward, yet many properties sit on the market far longer than expected. In some cases, this is due to market conditions or simply waiting for the right buyer at the right time. However, there are also common mistakes that can turn buyers away before a viewing is even booked.
Here are seven of the most common mistakes that stop homes selling, and what you can do instead.
1. Overpricing the Property
The mistake:
Setting the asking price too high in the hope of “testing the market”.
Why it stops sales:
Buyers compare everything online. If your home looks overpriced next to similar properties, they simply won’t click.
How to avoid it:
Price your home based on recent sold prices, not hopeful asking prices. A realistic price often generates more interest, greater competition, and even stronger offers. During our valuations, we provide a Rightmove Best Guide, showing both current and recently sold comparable properties on the market in your local area.
2. Poor First Impressions (Online & In Person)
The mistake:
Untidy rooms, cluttered hallways, overgrown gardens, or uninviting entrances.
Why it stops sales:
Buyers decide emotionally within seconds. If the property doesn’t feel welcoming, they struggle to imagine living there.
How to avoid it:
- Declutter and depersonalise
- Tidy the front garden and entrance
- Fix obvious issues (loose handles, peeling paint)
Small changes can have a big impact.
3. Low-Quality or Lack of Photos
The mistake:
Using dark, poorly angled photos—or even worse, putting a property live without any photos at all.
Why it stops sales:
Photos are the first viewing. If they don’t excite buyers online, they won’t book an in-person viewing. The initial impact on Rightmove is crucial; low-quality images, or listings with no photos, significantly reduce your chances of attracting a buyer during that vital early marketing period.
How to avoid it:
Always review your agent’s previous listings to assess the quality of their photography. Here at Geoffrey Collings, we pride ourselves on producing high-quality professional images. We also advise on the best lighting and timing for photography and use our own professional camera equipment rather than relying on photos taken by the homeowner.
4. Ignoring Feedback from Viewings
The mistake:
Dismissing repeated comments such as “it feels dark”, “it’s too noisy”, or “the price seems high”.
Why it stops sales:
Patterns in feedback usually highlight genuine buyer concerns. Ignoring these signals can cause a property to stagnate on the market.
How to avoid it:
Listen objectively and act where possible, whether that means adjusting the price, improving lighting, or rethinking presentation. We are always on hand to offer honest advice and help you decide the best next steps to keep your sale moving forward.
5. Being Too Inflexible with Viewings
The mistake:
Limiting viewing times or frequently declining requests.
Why it stops sales:
Buyers have busy schedules. If they can’t view your home easily, they’ll move on to another property.
How to avoid it:
Be as flexible as possible, including evenings and weekends. More viewings = higher chance of offers.
6. Choosing the Wrong Estate Agent
The mistake:
Selecting an agent based purely on the highest valuation or lowest fee.
Why it stops sales:
Overvaluing gets listings, not results. And poor marketing or negotiation can cost you far more than you save in fees.
How to avoid it:
Choose an agent with:
- Proven local sales results
- Strong marketing strategy
- Honest pricing advice
- Regular communication
7. Not Adjusting Strategy When the Market Changes
The mistake:
Leaving the property on the market unchanged for months.
Why it stops sales:
Buyers often assume something is wrong with properties that linger on the market for too long, which can reduce interest even further.
How to avoid it:
If interest begins to slow, it’s important to act quickly:
- Review the asking price
- Refresh the marketing and photography
Momentum matters, and early action can make all the difference.
Final Thought
Most homes can sell, when they’re priced correctly, presented well, and marketed properly. Avoiding these common mistakes can be the difference between selling quickly and being stuck on the market.
Thinking of selling?
If you’re planning to sell your home and want honest advice on price, presentation, and marketing, book a free, no-obligation valuation today. The right strategy from day one makes all the difference!
