If you’re preparing to list your home and browsing Seattle real estate or checking out other houses for sale in West Seattle, don’t make these common mistakes that could cost you thousands.

Selling your home is more than just putting a sign in the yard and hoping for the best. Here are three ways sellers often leave money on the table—and how you can avoid them.

1. Pricing Too High From the Start

Some sellers think, “We’ll list it high and see what happens.” But this can backfire fast. When your home sits on the market too long, buyers start wondering what’s wrong with it. They’ll skip over your listing in favor of similar homes priced more competitively. You may end up settling for less than you could’ve made with the right price upfront—because now you’re negotiating from a weaker position.

2. Ignoring Needed Repairs

You might think, “Buyers will want to make changes anyway, so why fix anything?” But most buyers don’t want to spend all their savings on a down payment and then face a long to-do list. Even minor issues like chipped paint or dripping faucets can be a turnoff. Skipping repairs can lead to low-ball offers or buyers walking away entirely.

3. Treating the Price as the Final Word

Your list price shouldn’t be the final price—it should be an invitation to attract the right buyers. If your price feels too high or out of touch with the neighborhood, buyers may not even come through the door. A smart pricing strategy positions your home to create demand, interest, and ideally, multiple offers.

If you’re looking to sell smart and maximize your profit in today’s market, work with someone who understands how pricing, prep, and strategy work together. I help Seattle sellers every day and would love to walk you through what’s working right now.