The Top 10 Most Annoying Things Sellers Do When Selling Their Home Plus A Bonus

If you are a seller watching this, I am probably going to offend you. I might even lose a few subscribers today. But we are going to talk about the top 10 most annoying things sellers do when selling their home and there is a bonus at the end, so stay with me.

And yes, please subscribe.

1 Sellers are present during showings and open houses

This is extremely annoying. Buyers do not want you hovering, lurking, or trying to sell the features and benefits of your home while they are walking through.

I get it. You think it is your biggest asset and you want to protect it. But your presence makes people uncomfortable and it can absolutely cause buyers to leave.

If you are nervous, put cameras in the home. Put a sign up that the property is monitored. That way you can keep an eye on things without being physically there.

But during showings and open houses, get off the property.

2 Sellers watch cameras and coach the listing agent in real time

This is the micromanaging version of annoying.

You are watching the showing on audio or video and texting or calling your agent like

Say this

Do not forget to say that

Mention the soft close drawers

Mention the faucet

Mention the ocean breeze

No one likes big brother breathing down their neck.

Here are the three pitfalls of coaching your agent during a showing

First the agent gets annoyed and becomes less excited to show your home

Second they may over sell and come across pushy because you are pushing them

Third they may want to rush an offer through just to stop dealing with you

If something truly matters, tell your agent before showings start or debrief after the showing or after the open house. Hire an agent you trust and let them do their job.

3 Sellers do not depersonalize the home

You already know about family photos and diplomas, but it is the little personal clutter that kills the vibe.

Flip flops in the backyardA towel hanging over a fenceLaundry pilesDishes in the sinkSoap dispensers and scrubbers everywherePaper towel holders out on the counter

Your goal is for the house to look like no one lives there.

The best compliment a seller can get is when a buyer asksDoes the seller still live here

That is how clean and neutral you want it.

4 Sellers leave pets at the house during showings

Pets can ruin a showing instantly.

I had a showing last week where the seller handed me a dog leash at the door and said the dog will not hurt anyone. The buyer had a past dog attack experience and basically bolted. They left and would not come back unless the dog was removed.

Your agent is not your pet handler. Remove pets. Remove litter boxes. Open windows. Air the home out. Buyers notice smell. They notice hair. They notice everything.

And yes, I am going to say it. Certain homes have people smells too. If you have teenagers, wash bedding and air the house out. Buyers are not acclimated to your home scent the way you are.

5 Sellers argue about paint color

This one makes sellers mad every time.

Paint your house white.

Not gray. Not beige. Not green. Not something moody. White.

My go to options

Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee

Dunn Edwards Whisper

Benjamin Moore White Dove

You do not need a sample. You are selling. This is not a lifetime commitment. White is the safest base color and buyers can always change it later.

6 Sellers do not clean the details

Buyers notice the little things.

Dirty ovens

A fridge that smells off

A mildewy sponge by the sink

Trash that is not taken out

Toilet lids up

Sticky cabinet doors

Dirty light switches

You cannot expect top dollar if the home looks careless up close.

7 Sellers do not keep the house show ready

This one is simple. When showings happen, the home should already be ready.

Lights on. Blinds open. Floors clear. Dishes handled. Laundry handled. Backyard not chaotic.

Your listing agent can help fine tune, but your listing agent is not your cleaning lady, your dog walker, or your house manager. You are partners. You have to do your part.

8 Sellers pressure the agent for more marketing instead of facing the real issue

When the market slows, sellers panic and start asking for more marketing.

Post it on Facebook

Call more agents

Rewrite the description

Reorder the MLS photos

Here is what actually sells the home

A beautifully prepared house that shines online

Strong photos and video

A clean neutral presentation

Correct pricing

If your home is sitting, it is usually one of three things

It is overpriced

It has not been on long enough for the price point

It does not shine online

Marketing cannot fix price denial.

9 Sellers are unrealistic about their home value

I have never had a seller tell me my suggested value is too high. Ever.

Sellers and neighbors almost always think the house is worth more than buyers will pay, especially in a cooling market.

A common mistake is expecting full return on renovations done 8 to 15 years ago. Style changes.

Buyers pay premiums for what feels current and move in ready. Older upgrades do not always read premium anymore.

Overpricing leads to chasing the market down, longer days on market, and lower final results.

10 Sellers find a great deal to buy and expect a premium sale yesterday

This happens constantly in a shifting market.

You find a great deal on your next home because the market is slower and sellers are negotiating. Then you expect your current home to sell instantly at top dollar so you can close on the deal.

Those two realities do not match.

If you are buying contingent, understand the market is changing. You need to price appropriately, prep properly, and allow time.

Bonus The most annoying contingent situation

Contingent offers are annoying, but the worst version is when the buyer wants to buy a home contingent on selling their home and their home is not even on the market.

That is a waste of everyone’s time.

If you must buy contingent, at least have your home already listed or under contract. That makes your offer far more credible and far more likely to be accepted.