How NOT to sell a house

How NOT to sell a house

Selling your home can be one of the most stressful periods of life as well as time-consuming. Everyone is desperate for a quick, hassle-free sale but with the possibility of strangers criticising your beloved property, it’s hard not to take things personally. We all think we’re showcasing our home in the best way but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to get it wrong, so below is how NOT to sell a house…

  • Being emotionally attached to the property. When you decide to sell your home, detach yourself from the memories and take a financial perspective. One in five homeowners are put off by sellers who criticise their property so remember that not everyone will like your property similar to how you were when you visited homes before buying. This is now a business transaction.
  • Set an unrealistic price. There is a fine line between the right and wrong price. Whilst we all want more money, it’s a fact – overpriced houses don’t sell. What’s more if a house has been on the market for too long perspective buyers will wonder if there is something wrong that they can’t see.
  • Using minimal photos. In today’s society, most people turn to the Internet to look at properties, which means good quality photos and lots of them are a necessity. Ensure photos are taken in good light and from a number of angles because the better your house looks in the photos, the more likely someone is to visit.
  • Trying to hide problems. Any problems will be uncovered so don’t cover them up. Whether it’s a small décor disaster, an outdoor problem that needs fixing or an interior drawback, it’s best to fix it before selling or come clean and take it off the asking price.
  • Not making your home ready for sale. First impressions count so clean your house from top to bottom and make it inviting. Fresh flowers look great and if there are minor things that need fixing such as a light that doesn’t work, fix it. Dirty dishes on the kitchen side are also a big no-no! It is also important to de-personalise your home so that potential buyers can imagine their own family in the space.
  • Not being flexible. Potential buyers may want to view in the evening and at weekends so it is important to accommodate their needs. After all, you would expect the same service.
  • Forgetting to look at your own behaviour. Many sellers forget that their own behaviour says a million words. If you’re frosty, rude and bored then your property will have the same negative feeling.

There are lots of mistakes that people can make when it comes to selling a property and unfortunately, the reality is that they are very common. However by avoiding these mistakes, your sale should go through stress-free and successfully. If you have any questions, then please get in touch.


Get in touch with us

In 2026’s property market, competition remains strong and opportunities can come and go in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re a first-time buyer preparing to take the plunge, an experienced buyer making your next move, or simply looking to upgrade or downsize, one truth stands out: serious buyers win.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, understanding what motivates buyers has never been more important. Buyers don’t simply purchase a property — they buy a vision of a future life, a sense of belonging, and emotional resonance that tells them “this feels like home.”

Selling a probate property is rarely just a market transaction. It’s often emotionally charged and legally involved - coming at a time when you’re already managing so much. At Keystone Estate Agents, we know that clarity, reassurance and expert support make all the difference. In this guide, we walk you through what to expect when selling a probate

If you’re thinking about selling your home in early 2026, there’s no better time to plan than right now. Moving home is one of life’s biggest decisions - and when you take the right approach to preparation, timing and support, the experience becomes smoother, more predictable and ultimately more rewarding.