Avoid Seller’s Remorse: Top Regrets and How to Prevent Them

Let’s be real—selling a house can feel like running a financial marathon. Between repairs, closing costs, and commissions, the expenses pile up quickly. According to a recent survey from Clever Real Estate, homeowners reported spending an average of $54,616 to sell their homes, which caught 42% of them by surprise.

But it’s not all bad news! The majority of sellers (64%) still made a profit, with the median profit being a hefty $100,000. In my own experience over the past six months, sellers I’ve worked with have pocketed profits ranging from $40,000 to $250,000.

With the right approach, you can boost your profits and sidestep regrets. The same survey showed that sellers who teamed up with a real estate agent walked away with an average of $34,000 more than those who tried to go it alone. That’s a pretty solid reason to have a pro in your corner!

So, let’s break down:

1. The costs of selling a home
2. Common regrets from home sellers
3. How you can avoid these pitfalls

The Cost of Selling a Home

Selling your home for the best price involves a range of costs. Here’s what survey respondents typically paid:

• Listing agent commission: $11,136
• Buyer's agent commission: $10,467
• Repairs: $10,000
• Closing costs: $8,000
• Concessions: $7,200
• Moving expenses: $3,250
• Marketing: $2,300
• Staging: $2,263

Keep in mind, every sale is unique. Some costs are negotiable (like agent commissions), some might not apply to every property, and some could vary based on your home’s condition or the local market.

Common Regrets of Home Sellers

Regret is a common theme among home sellers. In fact, 89% of surveyed sellers had some form of regret, with a staggering 92% of those who sold without an agent feeling remorse.

Here are the top regrets:

• Selling too quickly (30%)
• Missing their old home (29%)
• Not selling for enough money (28%)
• Not making enough pre-listing repairs (26%)
• Making too many concessions (26%)
• Failing to stage the home (25%)

Interestingly, many sellers also had regrets about their agents. Half of the respondents felt their agent “failed them” in some way. This highlights just how crucial it is to choose the right professional.

Surveyed sellers shared these specific complaints:

• Agent's advice let them down (57%)
• Agent made mistakes with their listing (53%)
• Agent didn't communicate enough (50%)

How to Maximize Your Home Sale

Maximizing your home sale starts with partnering with the right real estate agent. Remember, agents can help you net an extra $34,000 on your sale. I always recommend interviewing at least two agents. Selling your biggest asset requires the right expertise, just like choosing the right mortgage lender is key for buyers.

When interviewing agents, look for:

• Professionalism: Find an agent with in-depth local market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and a solid marketing plan.
• References and Reviews: Check references and read online reviews to ensure a history of satisfied clients.
• Clear Goals and Expectations: Make sure your agent understands your goals and priorities. Ask about their communication plan.
• Marketing Strategy: A good agent will have a comprehensive marketing strategy, including online listings, social media promotion, and professional photography.
• Commission Structure: Discuss the commission upfront to avoid surprises later.

Once you find the right agent, work with them to identify which repairs or staging efforts will make the most impact. They’ll guide you through the process and help you focus on what matters most to buyers.

The Bottom Line

Selling your home involves a series of big decisions. Having a real estate agent by your side can make a significant difference, potentially putting tens of thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.

For a free consultation or to chat about your goals, connect with me here. Let’s make your home sale a success!