04/08/2026
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make When Selling Their Home
One of the most common pieces of advice homeowners hear is:
"Get three estate agents to value your home."
That's sensible advice—but here's where many sellers make a costly mistake.
Quite often, one of those three agents will:
Overvalue your property.
Offer the lowest fee.
Tie you into the longest contract.
You'll hear phrases such as:
"Let's market it high and see what happens."
"We can always reduce the price later."
Unfortunately, that's one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Buyers Are Ready Before Your Home Goes on the Market
Serious buyers are already prepared. They have:
Their finances in place.
Mortgage agreements ready.
Rightmove alerts set up for properties that match their criteria.
When your property first appears online, it gets the highest level of attention. If it's overpriced from day one, those motivated buyers will simply scroll past and arrange viewings on correctly priced homes instead.
The Damage Is Already Done
Four to six weeks later, your agent suggests reducing the price.
The problem?
Those buyers who originally dismissed your property often won't receive another Rightmove alert because the property isn't new anymore—it's simply had a price reduction.
Instead, your listing now displays a "Reduced" banner.
Potential buyers start asking themselves:
Why hasn't it sold?
What's wrong with it?
Is there an issue with the property?
This can lead to lower offers and, in many cases, the property ends up selling for less than its true market value.
You're Also Helping Your Competition
An overpriced property can unintentionally make every similar home nearby look like a bargain.
Buyers compare properties side by side. If yours is significantly more expensive without offering noticeably more value, they'll often choose another property instead.
While yours sits on the market, the competition sells.
First Impressions Matter
The first few weeks of marketing are the most important.
Getting these three things right from day one makes all the difference:
✔ Correct pricing
✔ Professional marketing (photography, video and presentation)
✔ A clear marketing strategy
When these are right, you attract the largest pool of serious buyers and give yourself the best opportunity to achieve the highest possible price.
My Advice
Don't choose an estate agent simply because they've promised you the highest valuation.
Choose the one who can justify the asking price with evidence, has a clear marketing strategy, and will work tirelessly to get you moved.
The right price doesn't mean selling for less—it means creating competition, generating viewings, and achieving the best possible outcome.
Joe Vieira
Joe Vieira Bespoke Estate Agent
"Helping homeowners achieve the best possible price through honest advice, outstanding marketing, and exceptional service."
📞 07796 266529
✉ [email protected]
