Top 5 Mistakes Buyers and Sellers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial (and emotional) decisions you’ll make, so it’s no surprise that mistakes can happen along the way. In Marin County’s competitive real estate market, even small missteps can cost you time, money, or the home of your dreams.
Here are the top 5 mistakes buyers and sellers make—and my expert tips to help you avoid them.
1. Buyers: Not Getting Pre-Approved Before Starting Your Search
The Mistake: Jumping into home tours before securing a pre-approval can backfire. Without a pre-approval letter in hand, sellers may not take your offer seriously, and you could miss out on a home you love.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a trusted lender to get pre-approved before you start looking at homes.
Know your budget and what you’re qualified to borrow so you can make competitive, confident offers.
In a market like Marin County, homes can move quickly, and being pre-approved shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.
Why It Matters: A pre-approval letter gives you a strong edge, letting sellers know you’re not only interested but capable of completing the transaction. This can make all the difference when competing with multiple offers.
2. Sellers: Overpricing Your Home
The Mistake: It’s tempting to price your home higher, assuming you’ll negotiate down later. However, overpricing can deter buyers, leading to a home that sits on the market longer, ultimately selling for less.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a local real estate expert to analyze recent sales and current market conditions in Marin County.
Price your home strategically to attract strong interest and competitive offers.
Remember: Proper pricing often leads to multiple offers and a higher sale price.
3. Buyers: Letting Emotions Take Over
The Mistake: Falling in love with a home can sometimes lead buyers to ignore red flags, overlook budgets, or get caught up in bidding wars. Emotions can cloud judgment, leading to rushed decisions.
How to Avoid It:
Create a clear list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” before beginning your search.
Stick to your budget—no matter how appealing a home might seem.
Rely on your agent to provide perspective, help you evaluate inspection reports, and ensure you’re making a smart investment.
4. Sellers: Skipping Home Preparation
The Mistake: Some sellers believe their home will sell “as-is” without putting in the effort to make it shine. However, homes that aren’t clean, updated or well-staged often struggle to attract buyers or achieve top dollar.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in small, cost-effective updates like fresh paint, updated fixtures, and landscaping to boost curb appeal.
Declutter and deep clean to showcase your home’s best features.
Stage your home to appeal to today’s buyers. Whether you’re working with your furniture or bringing in a professional stager, presentation is everything in Marin’s competitive market.
5. Both Buyers and Sellers: Not Working With an Experienced Agent
The Mistake: Trying to navigate the real estate process on your own can lead to costly mistakes. Buyers might miss opportunities, overpay, or overlook critical details, while sellers might struggle with pricing, negotiation, or marketing.
How to Avoid It:
Partner with an experienced, local agent who understands Marin County’s real estate market.
For buyers: An agent will guide you through the process, help craft strong offers, and advocate for your interests.
For sellers: An agent will handle pricing, marketing, negotiations, and closing, ensuring a smooth and successful sale.
