Check out this month’s edition of Real Estate Roundtable where local agents share their expert advice on how to avoid common pitfalls like overpricing, neglecting repairs and failing to stage your home—ensuring a faster sale at the right price.
Ensure your property is priced at fair market value. Overpricing can reduce visibility in buyer searches and may lead to extended time on the market, ultimately lowering the final sale price. Address any low-cost repairs before listing. Neglecting these can deter potential buyers and negatively impact your home’s perceived value. Since 90 percent of home buyers start their search online, professional photography is crucial. High-quality images can help your home sell faster and at a more favorable price. Hiring an experienced local real estate agent is invaluable. They offer market insights, negotiation skills and a deep understanding of buyer psychology, all of which are crucial for a successful sale. Research potential agents thoroughly. Look into their profiles, testimonials and sales history to ensure they have the expertise and track record to meet your selling objectives.
Mark Leventhal | Compass
1468 Northern Blvd. Manhasset
516-330-8001
Some of the biggest mistakes sellers make when listing or preparing their homes for sale include pricing their home incorrectly which leads to a stale listing, failing to declutter and remove personal items, neglecting necessary repairs and not staging or making simple updates like painting to highlight the home’s best features. Ignoring curb appeal is a mistake considering that is a buyer’s first impression and can turn them off before even entering the home. Buyers need to envision themselves in a home and how they can make it their own. Most important is to work with an experienced agent who will be your best advocate, communicating and guiding you through the process along with a comprehensive marketing plan to get the best exposure to reach your target audience. Taking these steps can help ensure the home stands out in a competitive market and attracts the right buyers, leading to a quicker and potentially more profitable sale.
Linda Freedman | Douglas Elliman
277 Jericho Tpke., Syosset
516-921-2262
Overpricing is one of the most detrimental errors. Luxury buyers are often well-versed in the market, so setting an unrealistic price can result in extended time on the market and price reductions that can tarnish the home’s appeal. Work with an experienced luxury real estate agent to set a competitive, market-driven price that reflects the home’s unique features. Curb appeal is equally important for high-end properties. The exterior sets the tone for the entire showing, so ensure meticulous landscaping, an immaculate driveway and an inviting entryway. Even small touches, like freshening up the exterior paint or adding high-quality outdoor lighting, can make a significant difference. Presentation matters in luxury homes. Decluttering is essential, but so is ensuring the property is staged to highlight its architectural beauty and unique selling points. Consider hiring a professional staging expert to ensure the space is sophisticated and inviting. Neglecting details like minor repairs or maintenance can also be costly. Buyers of luxury homes expect perfection, so address every detail to ensure the property shows its best side. By focusing on pricing, presentation and meticulous maintenance, you can attract the right buyer at the right price.
Alex Olivieri | Compass
182 7th St., Garden City
888-717-2676
When someone chooses me as their real estate advisor, it’s one of the greatest honors I can receive. Your trust in my expertise motivates me to deliver exceptional results. With years of experience, I bring proven strategies and insights to every transaction. That trust requires collaboration and a shared commitment to selling your home for the highest possible price. My recommendations are designed to maximize appeal and attract a larger pool of buyers. Pricing Strategy: Proper pricing is critical. Overpriced homes sit on the market, while competitively priced homes attract more buyers and often achieve higher final offers. A clutter-free home feels spacious and inviting. Clean closets, clear countertops and open up the space. Removing personal photos helps buyers envision themselves living there. Experienced agents know when to list to attract the most interest. Light, neutral tones and small fixes make a home feel loved and well-maintained. Flexibility is key—make it easy for buyers to visit. Selling your home is a team effort.
Phyllis Realmuto | Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
350 Main St., Port Washington
516-578-3439
Of the three biggest mistakes home sellers can make when listing their homes, the first and foremost is not pricing their homes properly. We as agents suggest pricing based on homes that are comparable and that have sold recently in their market. When a seller overprices a home, the outcome often leads to longer days on the market, fewer showings, stale listings and ultimately price reductions. The seller winds up chasing the market instead of controlling the process. Homes get the greatest traction in the first week or two when momentum should be in your favor. Typically when priced to the market, it will lead to a bigger pool of buyers seeing value and can lead to multiple offers. Not decluttering or depersonalizing are also common mistakes sellers make. You want potential buyers to envision themselves and their families living in the home. Think simple and clean; leave your home open to new beginnings and possibilities. I see many sellers letting their emotions get in the way, understandably, of one of life’s biggest transactions. It is natural to have some emotional attachment to your home after living in it for years, celebrating milestones and holidays with your family and friends. You need to switch the mindset and view selling your home as a business deal. That is what we as professionals are there for, to help each seller through what can be an overwhelming process and to position the house in its best light when it comes to market.
Traci Conway Clinton | Compass
1695 Northern Blvd. Manhasset
516-517-4751
