July 7th, 2026 2:42 PM by Kelsey Bergey & Roxanne Johnson
Many sellers look back after their home sells and realize there are a few things they wish they had done differently before listing.
One of the most common regrets is waiting too long to begin preparing.
Decluttering, organizing, cleaning, and handling small repairs almost always take more time than expected. What seems manageable at first can quickly become overwhelming once listing photos, showings, and deadlines begin approaching.
Another major regret is overpricing the home at the start.
It’s understandable—every seller wants to maximize value. But pricing too high can actually reduce activity during the most important time a listing is on the market: the first few weeks.
When homes sit too long without strong interest, buyers often begin assuming something is wrong, even when it’s simply a pricing issue.
Sellers also commonly mention wishing they had simplified the home more before photos and showings.
Buyers respond best to spaces that feel:
The less distracted buyers are by clutter and personal belongings, the easier it is for them to picture themselves living there.
Most of these regrets are avoidable with thoughtful preparation and a clear strategy from the beginning.
The encouraging part is that sellers usually don’t need major renovations—they simply need intentional preparation.