The biggest mistakes home sellers make
Selling a home can be exciting, but it also carries pitfalls that may cost sellers time and money. To help homeowners avoid common mistakes, REMAX Southern Africa asked their agents to share the most frequent errors they encounter and how to avoid them.Overpricing is the most common trap. Kim Peacock, broker/owner of REMAX Dolphin Realtors in KZN, explains that setting a price too high deters buyers and can attract the wrong ones. “It can also cause a listing to stagnate and unintentionally make competing properties look like better value. Market-related pricing based on solid data is essential to achieve the best results,” she advises.
Presentation matters. Peacock stresses that properties must be decluttered, cleaned, painted and well-lit before listing. “Poor first impressions lose buyer interest quickly. Taking the time to get your home market-ready pays dividends,” she says.
Choosing the right agent is crucial. Working with inexperienced or non-local agents can derail a sale. “The right strategy, pricing and partner is the fastest path to success,” Peacock notes.
Similarly, Barbara Larney, broker/manager of REMAX Wine and Whales, warns against selling privately. “Homeowners often lack the systems to verify buyers’ identities or financial position, creating exposure to fraud or personal risk. Professional agents pre-qualify buyers, supervise viewings, and ensure every step of the process is secure,” she says.
Compliance issues can also create costly delays. Carla Visagie, sales manager at REMAX Independent Properties in Port Elizabeth, highlights the risks of missing or outdated building plans and overlooked title deed restrictions. “Many older properties underwent informal extensions without proper approval. Sellers may discover legal restrictions too late, blocking or delaying sales,” she explains.
Avoiding these mistakes makes a difference. Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of REMAX Southern Africa, emphasises that small errors can have major consequences. “By avoiding pitfalls such as selling without an agent, overpricing, neglecting presentation, or overlooking legal compliance, sellers improve their chances of a smooth, successful transaction,” he says.
Goslett concludes: “Partnering with a knowledgeable REMAX agent ensures that every step is handled professionally, giving you peace of mind and helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your home.”