Selling your home for the first time?
Don’t let these common mistakes cost you time, stress, or thousands of dollars in profit. At Inman Realty Company, we help Indiana homeowners sell with confidence by avoiding pitfalls that many first-time sellers don’t see coming.

Below are the seven most common mistakes first-time home sellers make — and how to protect your bottom line.

1. Pricing Your Home Too High

Setting your home’s price above competing listings often backfires. When buyers compare your home online to similar properties, an inflated price pushes them toward the better-valued homes. Overpricing leads to fewer showings, longer days on market, and ultimately lower offers.

Tip: Trust local market data. A strategic, realistic price attracts more buyers and stronger offers.

2. Ignoring the Small Repairs on Your To-Do List

Those small fixes you’ve been delaying? Buyers notice all of them. Minor issues make buyers wonder if there are bigger problems hiding beneath the surface.

Tip: Complete your “honey-do list” before listing. A well-maintained home signals value, care, and confidence.

3. Accepting the First Offer Too Quickly

In a strong market, the first offer isn’t always the best offer. Many first-time sellers accept an early bid before giving other buyers a chance to view the property.

Tip: Consider allowing 3–5 days of market exposure before evaluating offers. This gives buyers time to submit their strongest bid.

4. Responding Slowly to Offers

Every offer has an expiration date. If you miss the deadline, the buyer can walk away — even if the offer was great.

Tip: Review and respond promptly. If you’re expecting multiple offers, clearly communicate the decision timeline to all parties.

5. Choosing the Highest Offer Without Considering Appraisal Value

A high offer doesn’t always equal a successful sale. For example, if your home is listed at $350,000 and you accept a $400,000 FHA offer, the appraisal may come in lower. If the home appraises at $350,000, the buyer may not be able to cover the difference.

Tip: Evaluate each offer with your agent. The strongest offer is the one most likely to close — not always the highest number on paper.

6. Hiring an Agent Who Doesn’t Use Digital Marketing

Traditional marketing methods like postcards and newspaper ads are no longer enough. Modern buyers rely on digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and virtual tours.

Tip: Choose an agent who uses video marketing, online ads, and technology-driven strategies. At Inman Realty Company, digital marketing is a core part of our listing process.

7. Choosing the Cheapest REALTOR Instead of the Most Effective One

A low-commission agent often means minimal marketing and little strategy. Anyone can put your home on the MLS, but not everyone can market it professionally and negotiate top dollar.

Tip: Look for experience, marketing quality, and results — not just the lowest fee. A skilled REALTOR helps your home sell faster and for a higher price.

Selling a home for the first time can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and secure the best possible outcome.

At Inman Realty Company, we specialize in helping Indiana homeowners navigate the selling process with confidence, clarity, and smart strategy.

If you’re thinking about selling or want to know what your home is worth, we’re here to help.